In 2014, the Mid-Atlantic Distributed Resources Initiative (MADRI) will focus on partial service requirements for distributed generators (DG), emphasizing but not limiting the discussion to combined heat and power and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems installed by utility customers. At the direction of the MADRI Commissioners Steering Committee and the Staff Steering Committee, this meeting will continue recent conversations about the regulatory conundrum posed by DG in terms of valuing the benefits of solar and of the grid, and some of the regulatory options to appropriately account for solar sales into the grid and for the use of the grid by PV customers.

The meeting will include a panel discussion on “How to Determine the Value and Costs of Solar PV,” which will help regulatory commissions determine how to measure the costs and benefits of solar energy to the grid. A second panel will explore at least three rate design alternatives for customers, with panelists discussing the pros and cons of each rate mechanism.

Visit the MADRI website to view the full Valuation of Solar and Rate Design Alternatives agenda. An audio conference option is offered for those not joining the meeting in person.

MADRI meets approximately five times per year to address barriers to the deployment of distributed generation, demand response, and energy efficiency in the Mid-Atlantic region. Formed in 2004, the group promotes the implementation of distributed resources as a competitive alternative to generation and transmission in ensuring grid reliability and an effective wholesale electric market. The MADRI meetings, which draw participants from federal and state regulatory agencies, utilities, research and service organizations, as well as key stakeholders from the energy industry, focus on educating participants, developing alternative distributed resource solutions, as well as pursuing regional consensus on the preferred solutions.