The energy system is undergoing a fundamental transition in which Distribution System Operators (DSOs) play a highly relevant role, being confronted with unprecedented growth of new and more flexible loads (mainly from renewable energy sources - distributed generation) as well as storage devices connecting to their electricity grids. Fundamental changes already impacting energy systems in the Region require innovative and cooperative approaches, which is why Latin America’s main DSOs decided to team up to generate new ideas, perspectives, and solutions. The initial group composed by 15 leading DSOs or DSOs associations from five counties, representing 69,8 million customers served, was established by a recently signed MoU but is open to additional participation.
The forthcoming Latin American regional level Association representing the electricity distribution sector will promote the completion and functioning of the Latin American electricity markets in electricity, an optimal management and a coordinated operation of distribution systems.
With the MoU signed recently, DSOs and national DSO associations have expressed their willingness to jointly use their best efforts to prepare a development plan for the creation of the Latin American Distribution Association (Asociación de Distribuidores Eléctricos de America Latina), which was debated in today’s webinar.
The webinar discussed the purpose, governance principles, and the roadmap for the next steps of the new Association. Indeed, the scope of the Association will be to promote the exchange of information, studies and joint efforts in the sustainable development of electricity distribution and all related aspects.
Some priority topics of the discussion will focus on the evolution of Energy Distribution Market framework to respond to energy transition including Electric Vehicles, Network (RES) Integration, Demand Response, other Distributed Energy Resources (DER), Grid edge transformation (i.e. smart metering) and new client’s demands.
The scope of the association is also to include in the discussion all relevant stakeholder that could contribute in order to reach sustainable solutions and systemic benefits.
The founding members shall welcome any additional interested players of the distribution sector willing to join the initiative.