EEE Guide For Distributed Energy

IEEE Guide for Distributed Energy
STANDARDS
Resources Management Systems
(DERMS) Functional Specification
IEEE Power and Energy Society
Developed by the
Transmission and Distribution Committee
IEEE Std 2030.11™-2021
Authorized licensed use limited to: Pontificia Universidad Javeriana. Downloaded on February 13,2023 at 02:54:03 UTC from IEEE Xplore. Restrictions apply.
IEEE Std 2030.11™-2021

Developed by the
Transmission and Distribution Committee

of the
IEEE Power and Energy Society
Approved 29 April 2021
IEEE SA Standards Board
Abstract: A key concept and requirement for an operational and effective deployment of a large
number of distributed energy resources (DER), which include sources of power and demand
response, to enable the provision of flexibility and grid services, is the aggregation of DER. This
aggregation function, as well as the functions required to enable grid services, are provided by
DER management systems (DERMS). A functional specification for a DERMS and a description
of the grid services that aggregated DER can provide the distribution and transmission systems is
provided by this guide. Implementation issues and the interoperability requirements of a DERMS
with its environment, including the transmission and distribution systems, and the communication
and information infrastructure of modern grids are addressed by this guide.
Keywords: advanced distribution management system, aggregation, ancillary services, demand

response, DERMS, distributed energy resources, distributed energy storage system, distributed
generation, distribution system, energy management system, grid and system services,
IEEE 2030.11™, microgrid, transmission system, virtual power plant
The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

3 Park Avenue, New York, NY 10016-5997, USA
Copyright © 2021 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

All rights reserved. Published 9 June 2021. Printed in the United States of America.
IEEE is a registered trademark in the U.S. Patent & Trademark Oﬃce, owned by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Incorporated.
PDF: ISBN 978-1-5044-7593-8 STD24716

Print: ISBN 978-1-5044-7594-5 STDPD24716
IEEE prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

For more information, visit httpss://www.ieee.orgabout/corporate/governance/p9-26.html.
No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form, in an electronic retrieval system or otherwise, without the prior written permission
of the publisher.
Important Notices and Disclaimers Concerning IEEE Standards Documents
IEEE Standards documents are made available for use subject to important notices and legal disclaimers.
These notices and disclaimers, or a reference to this page (https://standards.ieee.org/ipr/disclaimers.html),
appear in all standards and may be found under the heading “Important Notices and Disclaimers Concerning
IEEE Standards Documents.”
Notice and Disclaimer of Liability Concerning the Use of IEEE Standards

Documents
IEEE Standards documents are developed within the IEEE Societies and the Standards Coordinating
Committees of the IEEE Standards Association (IEEE SA) Standards Board. IEEE develops its standards
through an accredited consensus development process, which brings together volunteers representing varied
viewpoints and interests to achieve the final product. IEEE Standards are documents developed by volunteers
with scientific, academic, and industry-based expertise in technical working groups. Volunteers are not
necessarily members of IEEE or IEEE SA, and participate without compensation from IEEE. While IEEE
administers the process and establishes rules to promote fairness in the consensus development process, IEEE
does not independently evaluate, test, or verify the accuracy of any of the information or the soundness of any
judgments contained in its standards.
IEEE does not warrant or represent the accuracy or completeness of the material contained in its standards,
and expressly disclaims all warranties (express, implied and statutory) not included in this or any other
document relating to the standard, including, but not limited to, the warranties of: merchantability; fitness
for a particular purpose; non-infringement; and quality, accuracy, effectiveness, currency, or completeness
of material. In addition, IEEE disclaims any and all conditions relating to results and workmanlike effort. In
addition, IEEE does not warrant or represent that the use of the material contained in its standards is free from
patent infringement. IEEE Standards documents are supplied “AS IS” and “WITH ALL FAULTS.”
Use of an IEEE standard is wholly voluntary. The existence of an IEEE Standard does not imply that there
are no other ways to produce, test, measure, purchase, market, or provide other goods and services related to
the scope of the IEEE standard. Furthermore, the viewpoint expressed at the time a standard is approved and
issued is subject to change brought about through developments in the state of the art and comments received
from users of the standard.
In publishing and making its standards available, IEEE is not suggesting or rendering professional or other
services for, or on behalf of, any person or entity, nor is IEEE undertaking to perform any duty owed by any
other person or entity to another. Any person utilizing any IEEE Standards document, should rely upon his or
her own independent judgment in the exercise of reasonable care in any given circumstances or, as appropriate,
seek the advice of a competent professional in determining the appropriateness of a given IEEE standard.
IN NO EVENT SHALL IEEE BE LIABLE FOR ANY DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, SPECIAL,
EXEMPLARY, OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES (INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO: THE
NEED TO PROCURE SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES; LOSS OF USE, DATA, OR PROFITS;
OR BUSINESS INTERRUPTION) HOWEVER CAUSED AND ON ANY THEORY OF LIABILITY,
WHETHER IN CONTRACT, STRICT LIABILITY, OR TORT (INCLUDING NEGLIGENCE OR
OTHERWISE) ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THE PUBLICATION, USE OF, OR RELIANCE
UPON ANY STANDARD, EVEN IF ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGE AND
REGARDLESS OF WHETHER SUCH DAMAGE WAS FORESEEABLE.
3
Copyright © 2021 IEEE. All rights reserved.
Translations
The IEEE consensus development process involves the review of documents in English only. In the event that
an IEEE standard is translated, only the English version published by IEEE is the approved IEEE standard.
Official statements
A statement, written or oral, that is not processed in accordance with the IEEE SA Standards Board Operations
Manual shall not be considered or inferred to be the official position of IEEE or any of its committees and shall
not be considered to be, nor be relied upon as, a formal position of IEEE. At lectures, symposia, seminars,
or educational courses, an individual presenting information on IEEE standards shall make it clear that the
presenter’s views should be considered the personal views of that individual rather than the formal position of
IEEE, IEEE SA, the Standards Committee, or the Working Group.
Comments on standards
Comments for revision of IEEE Standards documents are welcome from any interested party, regardless of
membership affiliation with IEEE or IEEE SA. However, IEEE does not provide interpretations, consulting
information, or advice pertaining to IEEE Standards documents.
Suggestions for changes in documents should be in the form of a proposed change of text, together with
appropriate supporting comments. Since IEEE standards represent a consensus of concerned interests, it is
important that any responses to comments and questions also receive the concurrence of a balance of interests.
For this reason, IEEE and the members of its Societies and Standards Coordinating Committees are not able to
provide an instant response to comments, or questions except in those cases where the matter has previously
been addressed. For the same reason, IEEE does not respond to interpretation requests. Any person who would
like to participate in evaluating comments or in revisions to an IEEE standard is welcome to join the relevant
IEEE working group. You can indicate interest in a working group using the Interests tab in the Manage Profile
and Interests area of the IEEE SA myProject system. An IEEE Account is needed to access the application.
Comments on standards should be submitted using the Contact Us form.
Laws and regulations

Users of IEEE Standards documents should consult all applicable laws and regulations. Compliance with
the provisions of any IEEE Standards document does not constitute compliance to any applicable regulatory
requirements. Implementers of the standard are responsible for observing or referring to the applicable
regulatory requirements. IEEE does not, by the publication of its standards, intend to urge action that is not in
compliance with applicable laws, and these documents may not be construed as doing so.
Data privacy
Users of IEEE Standards documents should evaluate the standards for considerations of data privacy and
data ownership in the context of assessing and using the standards in compliance with applicable laws and
regulations.
Copyrights
IEEE draft and approved standards are copyrighted by IEEE under US and international copyright laws. They
are made available by IEEE and are adopted for a wide variety of both public and private uses. These include
4
both use, by reference, in laws and regulations, and use in private self-regulation, standardization, and the
promotion of engineering practices and methods. By making these documents available for use and adoption
by public authorities and private users, IEEE does not waive any rights in copyright to the documents.
Photocopies
Subject to payment of the appropriate licensing fees, IEEE will grant users a limited, non-exclusive license to
photocopy portions of any individual standard for company or organizational internal use or individual, non-
commercial use only. To arrange for payment of licensing fees, please contact Copyright Clearance Center,
Customer Service, 222 Rosewood Drive, Danvers, MA 01923 USA; +1 978 750 8400; https://www.copyright
.com/. Permission to photocopy portions of any individual standard for educational classroom use can also be
obtained through the Copyright Clearance Center.
Updating of IEEE Standards documents
Users of IEEE Standards documents should be aware that these documents may be superseded at any time
by the issuance of new editions or may be amended from time to time through the issuance of amendments,
corrigenda, or errata. An official IEEE document at any point in time consists of the current edition of the
document together with any amendments, corrigenda, or errata then in effect.
Every IEEE standard is subjected to review at least every 10 years. When a document is more than 10 years old
and has not undergone a revision process, it is reasonable to conclude that its contents, although still of some
value, do not wholly reflect the present state of the art. Users are cautioned to check to determine that they have
the latest edition of any IEEE standard.
In order to determine whether a given document is the current edition and whether it has been amended through
the issuance of amendments, corrigenda, or errata, visit IEEE Xplore or contact IEEE. For more information
about the IEEE SA or IEEE’s standards development process, visit the IEEE SA Website.
Errata
Errata, if any, for all IEEE standards can be accessed on the IEEE SA Website. Search for standard number and
year of approval to access the web page of the published standard. Errata links are located under the Additional
Resources Details section. Errata are also available in IEEE Xplore. Users are encouraged to periodically
check for errata.
Patents
IEEE Standards are developed in compliance with the IEEE SA Patent Policy.
IMPORTANT NOTICE
IEEE Standards do not guarantee or ensure safety, security, health, or environmental protection, or ensure against
interference with or from other devices or networks. IEEE Standards development activities consider research
and information presented to the standards development group in developing any safety recommendations.
Other information about safety practices, changes in technology or technology implementation, or impact
by peripheral systems also may be pertinent to safety considerations during implementation of the standard.
Implementers and users of IEEE Standards documents are responsible for determining and complying with
all appropriate safety, security, environmental, health, and interference protection practices and all applicable
laws and regulations.
5
Participants
At the time this IEEE guide was completed, the P2030.11 Working Group had the following membership:
Geza Joos, Chair

Anthony Johnson, Vice Chair
Robert Cummings, Vice Chair
James Reilly, Secretary
Chad Abbey Andrew Ingram Ajit Renjit

Shafiul Alam Rosanna Kallio Steven Rymsha
John Barnick Hasan Kamal-Al-Deen Amin Salmani
Craig Boice Ning Kang Nicole Segal
Anjan Bose Peter Klauer Mark Siira
Ron Chebra Scott Koehler Ravindra Singh
Robert Currie Dave Konye Greg Smith
Rustom Dessai Rory Lewis Michael Stadler
Fei Ding Peter Maltbaek Kay Stefferud
Kyle Garton Prakash Menon Clayton Stice
Vipul Gholap Michelle Menvielle James Taylor
Hugo Gil Keith Mitchell Nima Tehrani
Jon Grooters Zack Pecenak Damien Tholomier
Al Hefner Ben Rankin Tom Weaver
Paul Hines Dean Weng
The following members of the individual Standards Association balloting group voted on this guide. Balloters
may have voted for approval, disapproval, or abstention.
Chad Abbey Brian Johnson James Reilly

Mark Adamiak Geza Joos Charles Rogers
James Babcock Rosanna Kallio Daniel Sabin
Steven Bezner Hasan Kamal-Al-Deen Bartien Sayogo
William Byrd Ning Kang Ronald Shipman
Richard Carter John Kay Mark Siira
Diego Chiozzi Yashar Kenarangui Ravindra Singh
Terry Conrad Yuri Khersonsky P. Sivaraman
Robert Cummings Boris Kogan Jerry Smith
Rustom Dessai Marc Lacroix Gary Smullin
Mamadou Diong Chung-Yiu Lam Aaron Snyder
Neal Dowling Chen-Ching Liu Michael Stadler
Paul Duncan Timothy McJunkin Wayne Stec
Thomas Dunmore II Anudeep Medam Ryan Stone
George Gela Ronald Mitchell Damien Tholomier
Hugo Gil Dennis Neitzel Joseph Thomas
Jeffrey Helzer Joe Nims Eric Udren
Michael Higginson Nayeem Ninad James Van De Ligt
Paul Hines Zachary Pecenak John Vergis
Werner Hoelzl Howard Penrose Kenneth White
Yi Hu Patty Polpattana Vahraz Zamani
Benito Ramos
6
When the IEEE SA Standards Board approved this guide on 29 April 2021, it had the following membership:
Gary Hoffman, Chair

Jon Walter Rosdahl, Vice Chair
John D. Kulick, Past Chair
Konstantinos Karachalios, Secretary
Edward A. Addy Howard Li Mehmet Ulema

Doug Edwards Daozhuang Lin Lei Wang
Ramy Ahmed Fathy Kevin Lu F.Keith Waters
J.Travis Griffith Daleep C. Mohla Karl Weber
Thomas Koshy Chenhui Niu Sha Wei
Joseph L. Koepfinger* Damir Novosel Howard Wolfman
David J. Law Annette Reilly Daidi Zhong
Dorothy Stanley
*Member Emeritus
7
Introduction
This introduction is not part of IEEE Std 2030.11–2021, IEEE Guide for Distributed Energy Resources Management
Systems (DERMS) Functional Specification.
The technologies and operational concepts to properly aggregate, integrate, and manage distributed energy
resources, which include sources of power and demand response, deployed in distribution and transmission
systems to enable the provision of grid services, are increasingly being developed and deployed. These
systems are known as distributed energy resources management systems (DERMS).
The purpose of this guide is to propose a structured approach to the development of a functional specification
for DERMS. It provides the mandatory and optional functional requirements needed to assure a technically
sound operation of DERMS in its interaction with distribution and transmission system operators and their
management systems. It is not intended to be a design or application guideline for a DERMS.
The guide describes the function required for the operation of a DERMS, both the mandatory and optional
functions. It details functionalities that can be designed into the DERMS to support grid services at the
distribution and transmission system levels. It discusses implementation approaches that allow interaction
of the DERMS with energy management and controls used in distribution and transmission systems. It
provides examples of implementation. It addresses interoperability requirements with reference to a smart
grid interoperability reference model (SGIRM). The model codifies the interaction of the DERMS with the
different elements of its environment, power system hardware, software, and communication and information
systems.
The guide is intended to provide a common language and define core functionalities for a DERMS to a wide
range of stakeholders, including vendors, utilities, energy service providers, developers, codes and standards
organizations, regulators and legislators, and governing bodies.
8
Contents
1. Overview�� 10
1.1 Scope�� 10
1.2 Purpose�� 10
1.3 Word usage�� 10
1.4 Limitations�� 11
1.5 Assumptions�� 11
2. Normative references�� 11
3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations�� 12

3.1 Definitions�� 12
3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations�� 13
4. Background and context�� 14

4.1 Scope of DERMS�� 14
4.2 DERMS concept and application�� 15
4.3 DERMS expectations�� 16
5. DERMS functions�� 16

5.1 General function considerations�� 16
5.2 DERMS general functionality�� 16
5.3 Typically specified DERMS base functionalities�� 16
5.4 DERMS optional functionalities�� 26
6. DERMS functionality in support of grid services�� 29

6.1 General considerations�� 29
6.2 Approach and categories�� 30
6.3 Energy�� 31
6.4 Capacity�� 31
6.5 Constraint management�� 33
6.6 Frequency control and response�� 34
6.7 Black start�� 36
6.8 Resilience�� 36
6.9 Voltage support�� 36
7. Specific DERMS implementation and interoperability considerations�� 37

7.1 General considerations and approaches�� 37
7.2 Cybersecurity�� 37
7.3 Communications�� 37
7.4 DERMS deployment considerations�� 38
7.5 DERMS configuration examples�� 39
7.6 Architecture and interoperability considerations�� 43
7.7 Other considerations�� 52
Annex A (informative) Bibliography�� 53
Annex B (informative) Flexibility services�� 55
9
1. Overview
1.1 Scope
This document provides a guide for the development of a functional specification for distributed energy
resources (DER) management systems (DERMS). It includes guiding principles for the application and
deployment of DERMS and DERMS control systems, addresses the basic functional requirements, and
proposes a set of core functions. These include: DER discovery, visualization, and monitoring of active and
reactive power flows and voltage at specific nodes; DER production estimation and scheduling, and dispatch
of active and reactive power; DER ancillary services provision, including voltage and frequency control/
support. The approach is extended to virtual power plant (VPP) control systems.
1.2 Purpose
The purpose of the DERMS is to aggregate and dispatch multiple DER, coordinate their operation in the
electric system, and optimize their output. With the increased deployment and penetration of DER, aggregation
of DER can be an effective approach to integrate DER into the planning and operation of distribution systems
and transmission systems.
1.3 Word usage

The word shall indicates mandatory requirements strictly to be followed in order to conform to the standard
and from which no deviation is permitted (shall equals is required to).1, 2
The word should indicates that among several possibilities one is recommended as particularly suitable,
without mentioning or excluding others; or that a certain course of action is preferred but not necessarily
required (should equals is recommended that).
The word may is used to indicate a course of action permissible within the limits of the standard (may equals
is permitted to).
1
The use of the word must is deprecated and cannot be used when stating mandatory requirements, must is used only to describe
unavoidable situations.
2
The use of will is deprecated and cannot be used when stating mandatory requirements, will is only used in statements of fact.
10
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
IEEE Guide for Distributed Energy Resources Management Systems (DERMS) Functional Specification
The word can is used for statements of possibility and capability, whether material, physical, or causal (can
equals is able to).
1.4 Limitations
The guide is limited to discussing and proposing approaches to aggregate DER to enable services to the
distribution system or at sub-transmission or transmission, and/or market levels.
The guide does not address the following issues:
— The type of communication system between individual DER and the DERMS, either hardware or
software
— The hardware and software implementation of the DER monitoring, control, and dispatch algorithms
— The individual DER interconnection requirements3
— The DER protection requirements4
— The impact of DER control and dispatch on power quality (flicker and voltage distortion) on the
distribution, sub-transmission, or transmission system5
— The size of the individual DER or aggregated DER, and the interconnection voltage level
— The implementation and requirements of the communication and interface with the utility advanced
distribution management system (ADMS)
— The way in which individual and aggregated DER are operated to enable the DERMS to offer grid
services
1.5 Assumptions
The term DER used in the scope and purpose of this guide, refers collectively to both conventional distributed
energy resources (defined as DER), that include both generators and energy storage technologies, and to
demand response (DR). A DERMS can aggregate both DER and DR and a combination of these assets.
It is assumed that all rules applying to a given jurisdiction and imposed by the distribution system operator
(DSO) and/or transmission system operator (TSO) are followed:
— It is assumed that the DSO or TSO with which the DERMS communicates has a service agreement
with the DERMS owner and operator (unless it is the DSO or TSO itself) for the provision of power
and ancillary services (including reactive power), these being provided by the aggregation of DER.
— It is assumed that the balancing authority (BA) or market operator receiving capacity and energy
services from an independent DERMS owner and operator has a service agreement in place detailing
those services.
2. Normative references

The following referenced documents are indispensable for the application of this document (i.e., they must
be understood and used, so each referenced document is cited in text and its relationship to this document is
3
For distribution-connected DER, refer to IEEE Std 1547™-2018 or relevant grid code in the relevant jurisdiction. For sub-transmission-
or transmission-connected DER, refer to IEEE Std P2800-2021 currently under development for inverter-based resources connected
above distribution voltages.
4
See relevant standards and guides.
5
See relevant standards and guides.
11
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
explained). For dated references, only the edition cited applies. For undated references, the latest edition of the
referenced document (including any amendments or corrigenda) applies.
IEEE P2800 (Draft 6, March 2021), Draft Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Inverter-Based
Resources (IBR) Interconnecting with Associated Transmission Electric Power Systems.6
IEEE Std 1547™-2018, IEEE Standard for Interconnection and Interoperability of Distributed Energy
Resources with Associated Electric Power Systems Interfaces.7,8
IEEE Std 1815™-2012, IEEE Standard for Electric Power Systems Communications-Distributed Network
Protocol (DNP3).
IEEE Std 2030™-2011, IEEE Guide for Smart Grid Interoperability of Energy Technology and Information
Technology Operation with the Electric Power System (EPS), End-Use Applications, and Loads.
IEEE Std 2030.5™-2018, IEEE Standard for Smart Energy Profile Application Protocol.
IEEE Std 2030.7™-2017, IEEE Standard for the Specification of Microgrid Controllers.
IEEE Std C37.240™-2014, Standard Cybersecurity Requirements for Substation Automation, Protection, and
Control Systems.
3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations

3.1 Definitions
For the purposes of this document, the following terms and definitions apply. The IEEE Standards Dictionary
Online should be consulted for terms not defined in this clause.9
advanced distribution management system (ADMS): A collection of applications that may include
applications typically associated with an outage management system (OMS), a distribution management
system (DMS), and supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), designed to monitor, control, and
manage operations and outages of a distribution network efficiently and reliably.
aggregator: Manages distributed energy resources (DER) and demand response (DR) resources that consist
of more than one source for the purpose of marketing energy and ancillary services to clients via the electric
power system.
demand response (DR): The modification of electricity consumption by consumers for a limited time period
in response to signals, incentives, and/or prices. This can include the shifting, shaping, or shedding of load.
distributed energy resources management system (DERMS): An application platform designed to manage
device information, monitor and enable optimization and control of distributed energy resources (DER) and
demand response (DR). A DERMS must be able to aggregate, simplify, optimize, and translate DER and DR
functionalities. The DERMS enables the implementation of system services to the grid.
6
Numbers preceded by P are IEEE authorized standards projects that were not approved by the IEEE-SA Standards Board at the time this
publication went to press. For information about obtaining drafts, contact the IEEE.
7
The IEEE standards or products referred to in Clause 2 are trademarks owned by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Incorporated.
8
IEEE publications are available from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (https://standards.ieee.org/).
9
IEEE Standards Dictionary Online is available at: http://dictionary.ieee.org. An IEEE Account is required for access to the dictionary,
and one can be created at no charge on the dictionary sign-in page.
12
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
distributed energy resources (DER): Sources and groups of sources of electric power that are connected to
the electric power system. DER includes both generators and energy storage technologies capable of exporting
active power to an electric power system (EPS). An individual DER device inside a group of DER that form a
system is a DER unit (DERU). An interconnection system or a supplemental DER device that is necessary for
compliance with this guide is part of a DER.
virtual power plant (VPP): A distributed energy resources management system (DERMS) that has the
purpose of aggregating and controlling distributed energy resource assets in blocks of resources (generation,
renewables, energy storage, or controllable demand) that can be remotely and automatically dispatched using
meters, a software system, and a communications network.
3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations
ADMS advanced distribution management system

AGC automatic generation control
BA balancing authority
BESS Battery Energy Storage System
BTM behind the meter
CT communication technology
CVR conservation voltage reduction
D-Model distribution system model
DER distributed energy resources
DERMS distributed energy resources management system
DG distributed generation
DMS distribution management system
DR demand response
DSO distribution system operator
ESS energy storage system
EMS energy management system
EPS electric power system
EV electric vehicle
FFR fast frequency response
FLISR fault location, isolation, and service restoration
FM fleet management
FTM in front of the meter
GDER generation distributed energy resources
IAP interoperability architectural perspective
IBR inverter-based resources
ID identification
ISO independent system operator
13
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
IT information technology
LL Line-Line
MPPT maximum power point tracking
OPF optimal power flow
OSB operational service bus
P active power
PCC point of common coupling
PF power factor
PS power system
PV photovoltaic
Q reactive power
RC reliability coordinator
RTO regional transmission operator
SCADA supervisory control and data acquisition system
SGIRM smart grid interoperability reference model
SLA service level agreement
STFE short-term forecasting engine
TSO transmission system operator
UFLS under-frequency load shedding
VPP virtual power plant
4. Background and context

4.1 Scope of DERMS
DERMS allows aggregation of both sources of power, known as distributed energy resources (DER), and
demand response (DR) resources. In general, and unless specified otherwise in this guide, the term DER may
collectively refer to DER and DR. Virtual power plants (VPP) and microgrids also aggregate DER and DR, as
discussed in this guide.
DERMS grid services may become necessary with the higher penetrations of DER and increased complexity
of the power grid to support the transmission and distribution of electricity from the provider of energy to the
consumer of energy (Denholm, Sun, and Mai [B6]10; NERC 2016 [B22]; NERC 2020 [B23]). The DERMS
can also enable DER and DR to provide aggregated ancillary services to the grid. These services help ensure
that objectives, such as grid reliability, power quality, availability, and resiliency, are maintained.
Individual distribution-connected DER typically meet the requirements of IEEE Std 1547™-2018.

Transmission-connected inverter based resources (IBR) would meet IEEE P2800–2021. Both could be
aggregated utilizing this guide.
10
The numbers in brackets correspond to those of the bibliography in Annex A.
14
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
4.2 DERMS concept and application

A DERMS can be defined by its functions and the services it enables, regardless of ownership and complexity.
Its basic functions are:
— Aggregate: DERMS should take the services of many individual DER and DR and present them as a
more manageable, smaller number of aggregated virtual resources for the appropriate location.
— Simplify: DERMS should handle the granular details of DER and DR settings and present simple grid-
related services.
— Optimize: DERMS should optimize the utilization of DER and DR and the existing infrastructure
within various physical locations to get the desired outcome in terms of the role and functions of the
DERMS at minimal cost, required performance, and best possible power quality.
— Translate: Individual DER may speak different languages, depending on their type and scale. DERMS
should handle these diverse languages, and present to the upstream calling entity in a cohesive manner.
A DERMS should be operated to observe and respect all distribution and transmission operating constraints.
Working with a market entity, the DERMS will support a reliability-constrained economic dispatch in order
to contribute to the reliability and security of the power supply to the load. It is the function of the DERMS to
coordinate DER operations with grid operations, protection systems, and controls.
This guide addresses functions and potential services enabled by a DERMS and how these are expected to
behave and perform. Any specific DERMS can incorporate any or all those functions and services, depending
on how it is integrated into the operation of the system, or if it is a pure stand-alone application performing
these functions.
A DERMS can be integrated into distribution and transmission applications, such as supervisory control and
data acquisition (SCADA), advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), or energy management
systems (EMS).
Several types of DERMS may exist:
— Aggregator (service provider) versus DERMS operator (DERMS is the software solution or platform)
can be separate entities (or one entity)
— Utility (power system) DERMS versus non-utility (industry, energy community) energy provider
DERMS
Some independent functions may be performed without knowledge of the local electrical system. In this case,
it is important that local electrical utility and non-utility DERMS coordinate to share adequate information
based on mutual agreement to allow DERMS to successfully participate in the identified market.
The DERMS will consider generation capabilities11 in the aggregation process to ensure consistent operation
of the DER.
Performance metrics include the evaluation of effectiveness of the response to service provision requests.
11
For distribution-connected DER, the reference would be IEEE Std 1547™-2018, limit functions and parameters, go-to requests. For
transmission- or sub-transmission-connected DER, IEEE P2800-2021 would be the reference. It should also be noted that not all DER
are inverter based. This may be particularly true as the connection voltage rises.
15
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
4.3 DERMS expectations

All DERMS will have some of the functionalities identified in this guide. It is not expected that a DERMS
implement all functionalities identified, but if a functionality is implemented, it should meet the guidelines
established herein.
A DERMS is a system that will be utilized by an organization to interact with and/or model DER and DR.
This interaction can range from simple monitoring to detailed configuration and control management of these
resources, and grid analysis and planning.
5. DERMS functions

5.1 General function considerations
Many issues should be considered when evaluating the general functions that a DERMS should address. The
functions required for a DERMS will vary based on a range of factors including, but not limited to, specific use
cases, DER capability, system capability, DER and DR market participation, regulatory considerations, etc.
(EPRI 2018 [B1]).
It is also important to consider the interaction between these various functions when designing or evaluating a
DERMS. Figure 1 is one example of the relations and interactions of the functions among each other, but is not
intended to be the only possible interactions of functions. Certain functions of a DERMS may be shared with
other systems integrating DER and DR, such as microgrid controllers, ADMS, SCADA, and EMS, designating
which system is responsible for what functions. Careful consideration needs to be given to how the various
systems will be integrated with DER management, especially when they have similar functions. Subclause 7.6
provides a more detailed overview of architecture and interoperability considerations between these various
systems involved with DER and DR integration.
Figure 1 illustrates some of the core functions of a DERMS, such as DER device information, DER monitoring/
status, and DER operation/control. Dotted lines indicate connections to optional functions. Specific capabilities
within each of these core functions are detailed in the next sections. Additional guidance is provided on what
functionality of a DERMS should be considered mandatory and what functions are considered optional within
this guide.
5.2 DERMS general functionality

Generally, a DERMS can be divided into three general functional areas with a few auxiliary areas: DER
device information, monitoring/status, and operation/control. Aggregation is a cross-cutting function across
all those general functional areas. Cross-cutting auxiliary functions are visualization and historization of the
information provided by the DERMS. Both auxiliary functions are important, but they may not be part of the
core functionality of the DERMS.
5.3 Typically specified DERMS base functionalities

5.3.1 DER device pedigree information
Device pedigree information is divided into registration information, grouping information, and device
capability. Configuration settings are intended to be used as a configuration option to nameplate alternatives
and are not intended for continuous dynamic adjustment.
16
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 1—Examples DERMS functions and their relationships
5.3.2 Registration
Registration information for individual DER and DR can typically include the information listed below. It can
also be provided for downstream DERMS, solar/wind plant controller, and other aggregated systems that an
upstream DERMS will interface with.
a) Nameplate information
The nameplate information provides the information required for situational awareness, modeling,
monitoring, and operational control. This could include:
— DER type: Example DER types can include microturbine, solar photovoltaic (PV), diesel, battery,
wind turbines, fuel cell, etc. It should also include model, serial number, and manufacturer.
— Rating: Applicable information could include nominal ac voltage, kVA, charging and other ramp rates,
kWhr, thermal limits, short-circuit current capability, standard test conditions (STC), photovoltaics
for utility scale applications test conditions (PV test conditions), maximum continuous output power
at unity power, maximum apparent power output, maximum continuous output current, weighted
efficiency, dc voltage min/nominal/max. Table 1 provides a list of useful parameters.
Table 1—Nameplate information (adapted from IEEE Std 1547-2018, Table 28)

Parameter Description
Active power rating at unity power factor Active power rating in watts at unity power factor
(nameplate active power rating)
Active power rating at specified Active power rating in watts at specified
over-excited power factor over-excited power factor
Specified over-excited power factor Over-excited power factor as described
in IEEE Std 1547-2018
Table continues
17
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Table 1—Nameplate information (adapted from IEEE Std 1547-2018, Table 28) (continued)

Active power rating at specified Active power rating in watts at specified
under-excited power factor under-excited power factor
Specified under-excited power factor Under-excited power factor as described
in IEEE Std 1547-2018
Apparent power maximum rating Maximum apparent power rating in voltamperes
Normal operating performance category Indication of reactive power and voltage/power control
capability (Category A/B as described IEEE Std 1547-2018)
Abnormal operating performance category Indication of voltage and frequency ride-through capability
(Category I, II, or III, as described in IEEE Std 1547-2018)
Reactive power injected maximum rating Maximum injected reactive power rating in vars
Reactive power absorbed maximum rating Maximum absorbed reactive power rating in vars
Active power charge maximum rating Maximum active power charge rating in watts
Apparent power charge maximum rating Maximum apparent power charge rating in voltamperes;
may differ from the apparent power maximum rating
AC voltage nominal rating Nominal ac voltage rating in root mean square (rms) volts
AC voltage maximum rating Maximum ac voltage rating in rms volts
AC voltage minimum rating Minimum ac voltage rating in rms volts
Supported control mode functions Indication of support for each control mode function
Reactive susceptance that remains connected Reactive susceptance that remains connected to the
to the area electric power system (EPS) in area EPS in the cease to energize and trip state
the cease to energize and trip state
Manufacturer Manufacturer
Model Model
Serial number Serial number
Version Version
b) Communication information
The DER should support at least one of the protocols specified in 7.3.
c) Installation information
The installation information could include the physical location either in geographical coordinates
(latitude, longitude), street address, or tied to a utility customer ID account number. It can also include
the last inspection or repair date if necessary. The installation information can be structured per the
IEC Common Information Model (CIM), defined in IEC 61968 and IEC 61970 (IEC 61968-5:2020
[B10]; IEC 61970-301:2020 [B12]).
d) Electrical location
The electrical location information may include the service delivery point, meter ID, customer
ID, as built feeder segment ID, a connection point identifier for distribution, sub-transmission- or
transmission-connected DER, and number of DER units within the total capacity. It can also include
the phasing information indicating whether it is single or three phase DER. If the device is single
phase, the phase to which it is connected should be specified. There are other options for supplying
the location information: an ADMS can have a record the electrical location and pass that on
to the DERMS. Interconnection details are addressed in IEEE Std 1547-2018. The IEC Common
Information Model standards should be used to describe the electrical information (IEC 61968-5:2020
[B10]; IEC 61970-301:2020 [B12]).
18
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
e) Device settings and interconnection rating

Within the DER interconnection process, the DER operational characteristics and settings will be
specified; and for some DER, remote data, control, and settings modifications are required based
on interconnection rules or mutual agreement. Table 2 is meant to capture the DER operation
characteristics approved within the interconnection process and utilized within grouping for
monitoring and control as applicable.
Table 2—Device settings and interconnection rating

Nameplate Rating Active power rating in watts at unity power factor
Active power point of common coupling (PCC)
Net Active Power Exported
export rating in watts at unity power factor
Monitoring Key Data Required DER data: alarm, status, measurement
Limit Maximum Active Power A DER can be directed to limit active power at PCC
A DER can be directed to cease to energize and
Cease to Energize
trip by changing the permit service setting
DER can actively adjust the DER maximum
Voltage-Reactive Power Setting
reactive power as a function of the voltage
DER can actively limit the DER maximum
Voltage-Active Power Setting
active power as a function of the voltage
DER can adjust its active power output from
Frequency Droop Setting
the pre-disturbance frequency level
Voltage Ride-Through Settings DER ride through and trip voltage disturbance
Frequency Ride-Through Settings DER ride through and trip frequency disturbance
Schedule Hours of operation/ratings or scheduled settings
Substation Substation DER interconnected
Feeder Distribution feeder DER interconnected
Service Node Service node DER interconnected
Configuration settings are intended to be used as a configuration option as nameplate alternatives.

Configuration settings are not intended for continuous dynamic adjustment. The device settings should
include any variables that have been set that affect the operations of the DER. If a configuration setting
value is different from the corresponding nameplate value, the configuration setting value should be
used as the rating within the DERMS. Changes to the configuration setting can be made with mutual
agreement between the DER system operator and area EPS operator.
The interconnection rating could include limitations or other factors related to the specific
interconnection site. This may include derating factors or other information affecting the operations of
the DER. The IEC 6180 Substation Configuration Language (Part 6) may be used as the standardized
configuration language.
f) In/out of service dates
There may be DER that is only available during certain times of the year, month, week, or day depending
on contracts, availability, scheduled maintenance, or other limiting factors. This information is needed
for operational software applications that are determining what DER is available and its capabilities as
the applications monitor DER and determine control commands to send to accomplish the applications
goals.
g) DER modeling information
For the DER to be adequately modeled in software applications, certain electrical characteristics
will be required. Those modeling parameters should be similar to those used in electrical grid
planning software. Those parameters may include, but are not limited to, electrical impedances, fault
19
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
contributions and resulting fault levels, thermal limits, and other information that is required for grid
applications. The DER model may also include scenario modeling, generation profile of the DER/site,
asset modeling, reaction to operating environment, and possibly a physical model.
5.3.3 Grouping
5.3.3.1 Overview
Grouping is a function of a DERMS (EPRI 2016 [B3]; EPRI 2019 [B5]) This grouping can be hierarchical,
programmatic, or a combination of both. Grouping may be based on DER and DR technical characteristic
(technology, rated power, etc.), and combination of different grouping types or other non-topological grouping.
Non-topological grouping can, for example, be based on features and sensitivities such as volts/kW or volts/
kVAr. In the discussion on grouping, DER is assumed to include both the DER and the DR assets.
Part of the functioning of the groups is that the DERMS will consolidate the required measurements into the
respective group measurements. Figure 2 shows a basic group that can be composed of DER (distributed
generation [DG], energy storage system [ESS]) and DR.
Figure 2—Base DER and DR grouping
Group A, Figure 3, is the grouping below the customer transformer. Group B, Figure 4, is a grouping of Group
A between switches (i.e., Group B1 = A1 + A2 and Group B2 = A3 + A4). Group C, not represented in the
diagram, would be a logically grouped “B” (Group C1 = B1 + B2).
20
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 3—Group A: grouping for below the customer transformer
Figure 4—Group B: grouping of Group A between switches
5.3.3.2 Hierarchical grouping
Hierarchical grouping is based on system connectivity. It can be done based on “as built” and/or “as operated”
topology. The objective of this grouping is to simplify the operation and modeling of the DER. Typically, it
would be expected that the grouping starts at the lowest level, the service transformer, and continues to group
into larger portions of the system. One purpose of the hierarchical model is to simplify and help the modeling of
DER. The DER can then be modeled as an aggregation at the level of the model that the hierarchical grouping
represents. Another function of the hierarchical model is to simplify the control actions to the DER. The
system identifying the control action can dispatch the control action of the DER on the level of the grouping to
help coordinate the control actions on that level of the system.
21
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
5.3.3.3 Programmatic grouping
Programmatic grouping is another method of grouping DER. The DERMS needs to be able to manage the
programs as well as know which DER are in which program. A program is a commercial arrangement by a
utility or aggregator for a group of DER and DR that has common functional capabilities under which the they
can be configured and controlled.
Program management is an essential part of the grouping function of the DERMS. This includes:
— A definition of the structure of the program.

— Who can participate in the programs.
— When the particular program can be called upon.
— Any constraints that the program places upon the participants.
— Any companion programs that the participants may or may not be able to participate in as well.
— What type of resource can participate in the program.
5.3.3.4 Capacity grouping and related considerations
DER can also be grouped according to capabilities that are dictated by the interconnection agreement, DER
capacity, legacy issues, and overall architecture considerations. The DERMS should have the ability to group
DER according to similar characteristics of latency of response and determinism. In this way, DER can be
associated with control applications that relate to different latency requirements.
From this perspective, DER can be grouped into the following response time categories:
— DER that communicate directly with the utility DERMS, over direct communication infrastructure
with known bandwidth and availability.
— DER that communicate directly with a distributed controller (e.g., microgrid controller) over direct
communication infrastructure with known bandwidth and availability, which in turn interfaces to the
utility DERMS.
— DER that communicate directly with a non-utility aggregator (third-party DERMS), which in turn
communicates directly with the utility DERMS.
— DER that may not be independently monitored or are only monitored through an advanced metering
infrastructure, which may or may not be metered separately from site load. This is mentioned only
for completeness, it would not form a valid DERMS group, but will be captured through forecasting
functions.
The capabilities of DER and proportions of these types of DER should be considered in the configuration of a
given deployment and application.
5.3.3.5 Resource grouping
Another method of grouping is by type of resource, e.g., solar, wind, energy storage, unloaded solar. This
would include if the resource is managed by an aggregator and who the aggregator is. This function would be
used in managing a resource type–specific function.
22
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
5.3.3.6 Combination grouping
It is likely that a combination of groups will be used to achieve the best operations of the DER. For example,
a volt/var setting will be given to all solar inverters on a segment of a distribution circuit or at a substation or
point on the transmission system.
5.3.3.7 Other non-topological grouping
In general, DERMS operators may require the ability to define arbitrary groups that do not directly relate to the
utility grid topology. These groups may be dynamic (such as asset age, online/offline status); time bound (i.e.,
valid for a given month, season, or year); follow a combination of rules; or be strictly user defined.
A primary example of time-bound, user-defined groups are groups of resources that are assigned to third-party
aggregators for the purpose of participating in energy markets as a virtual power plant. Typically, the group
of resources participating in a given market product (and zone/node) for a given month must be registered in
advance each month with the balancing authority (BA) and/or independent system operator (ISO)/regional
transmission operator (RTO); and this information should also be reflected in the DERMS.
Some examples are programmatic in nature, such as DER participating in a particular utility tariff and options
within the tariff. DER enrolled in a utility program may need to be segmented into groups of different costs of
dispatch, frequency of dispatch, etc. All DERMS data and actions could be time stamped with Universal Time
Coordinated (UTC). A local time offset could be provided that also addresses changes in daylight savings time
changes. Users may also require the ability to group by geographical attributes—such as state, zip code, and
climate region—which do not necessarily correlate with grid topology.
A key responsibility of a DERMS is to manage DER in accordance with their interconnection agreement,
therefore requiring the ability to group DER according to interconnection vintage and contract requirements.
Another example of non-topological grouping would be grouping according to communications methods:

SCADA network, secure cellular network, public cellular network (potentially including which provider),
homeowner internet, and human-in-the-loop (for some demand response resources).
5.3.3.8 Dynamic grouping
Dynamic grouping is typically associated with hierarchical grouping and the real time configuration of the
grid. As the grid connectivity changes due to real time control actions, the hierarchical groups will change. It is
the DERMS responsibility to notify the appropriate parties of this grouping change.
5.3.4 Capability
DERMS operators must constantly keep the distribution system operator (DSO) or transmission system
operator (TSO) informed of the status of the DER under its control. Such communications should be conducted
with a communications protocol and periodicity prescribed by the DSO or TSO to enable them to safely and
securely operate the distribution and transmission systems. That information may be needed by the DSO/TSO
on a DER plant basis or on an agreed-to aggregate point on the distribution and transmission system.
The following items should be communicated:
— DER or DER aggregate identifier

— Status of the DER, including controllability
— Mode of operation for the DER
— Available modes of operation
— Services in which the DER is participating
23
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
— Real-time available capability (P and Q)

— Real-time output and other monitored values (P, Q, voltage, etc.)
— Time-based projections of availability (24 h, for example)
Similar data may also be required to be communicated to appropriate market operators.
5.3.5 Monitoring/status
Monitoring/status information is indicative of the present operating conditions of the DER and identified
locations on the system. The DERMS has the capability to collect monitoring/status information and be
capable of providing collected monitoring/status information to other systems.
The DERMS can provide collected monitoring/status information to other systems using a unified information
model and non-proprietary protocol encodings based on international standards or open industry specifications.
5.3.6 Measurements
A DERMS should, at a minimum, be able to collect and provide the latest value that has been measured for the
parameters contained in Table 3.
Table 3—Typical electrical measurements for DER

Active Power Active power in watts
Reactive Power Reactive power in vars
Voltage(s) in rms volts (instantaneous measurements); one parameter for
Voltage
single-phase DER and three parameters Line-Line (LL) for three-phase DER
Current(s) in rms amps (instantaneous measurements); one parameter
Current
for single-phase DER and three parameters for three-phase DER
Frequency Frequency in hertz
It is noted that IEEE Std 1547-2018 does not include power factor (PF), does not differentiate between rms
versus peak values, or between DER reporting instantaneous or average values over intervals.
For each parameter value in Table 3, where reported by the DER, the DERMS is able to collect and provide
the metrics contained in Table 4 a. If the information in Table 3 is not reported by the DER, the DERMS should
not synthesize the data. It would be the responsibility of the application utilizing the data to handle the missing
information.
Table 4—Supplementary information related to measurements

Metric Description
Date-Time Stamp Date and time at which the parameter value was measured.
Quality information describing the quality of the parameter value.
Quality The minimum supported quality metric is “Good/Not Good”
but additional quality metrics may also be supported.
Qualifier information describing the calculation methods for the value. The
Data Qualifier
minimum supported data qualifier is instantaneous and not instantaneous.
The data qualifier came from CSIP 2030.5–2018, Implementation Guide, v2 [B1].
a
Additional information available within the DER may be retrieved by the DERMS if the communication
protocol supports the retrieval of the information.
24
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
5.3.6.1 Status
A DERMS should, at a minimum, be able to collect and provide the latest value that has been reported for the
parameters contained in Table 5.
Table 5—Status information from DER

Operational State Operational state of the DER. The operational state should represent
the current state of the DER. The minimum supported states are
on and off, but additional states may also be supported.
Connection Status Power-connected status of the DER.
Alarm Status Active alarm status. The minimum supported
states are active and not active.
Operational State of Charge Zero to 100% of operational energy storage capacity.
For each parameter in Table 5, where reported by the DER, the DERMS can collect and provide the date and
time of the last change of the parameter.
5.3.7 Typically specified real time operation functionality
5.3.7.1 Control
The actual controls available for a given resource may not map exactly to the scheduled control to be executed.
For example, a DERMS may be requested to provide 1.2 MW of capacity from 11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The
DERMS may have a heterogeneous set of assets available to dispatch, such as: HVAC thermostats (temperature
set point instruction), plug load control switches (binary on/off), energy storage systems (kW set point), and
electric vehicle (EV) charging stations (integral power levels 0/25%/50%/75%/100%)12. The DERMS must
disaggregate the requested capacity and assign appropriate control schedules to the necessary resources. If
there is any change in requested capacity, or available capacity of dispatched resources, the DERMS must
quickly re-optimize the allocation of capacity and translate new instructions to affected resources.
The same expectations apply to autonomously responding resource schedules such as a frequency/watt curve
for a particular group of resources (e.g., associated with a zone of the grid). Allocation of the response curve
characteristics must comply with the physical capabilities of each device, any contractual limitation (e.g.,
interconnection ramp rate limit), as well as meet the requirements of the scheduled controls.
The DERMS can provide confirmation that resources are being controlled as planned for the duration of the
schedule and provide an alert to the operator if the desired schedule is not being followed. Utility DERMS can
provide a check before operation, helping ensure validation of DER control action against crew activity in the
grid, DER technical capabilities and contracts, as well as violation of grid capacity and power quality.
In case of loss of communication with the DER and DR, the DERMS can execute the scheduled control (in
case the dispatch instructions are provided before the communication loss) and then revert to the local controls/
default controls settings as determined.
In case of loss of communication with a resource for an active/on-going events/schedules, the DERMS can
quickly re-optimize and provide the revised schedules to the operator. The revised schedules/controls may
need necessary validations/approvals from an upstream distribution management system or TSO before
taking effect.
DERMS and ADMS can be synchronized regarding utilization of DER. DERMS and ADMS cannot use the
same resource capability at the same time or not use at all the same resource.
Both energy storage systems and EV charging stations may be switchable from charging to discharging as part of a service offered by a
12
DERMS.
25
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
5.3.7.2 Dispatch and scheduling
A DERMS can support scheduling and dispatch of these various types of control schemes: energy (defined
MWh over an interval), capacity (defined MW set point[s] throughout an interval), set points, and setting
automatic response curves (including frequency/watt, volt/watt, volt/VAR). If a given resource is incapable of
contributing to a given function it can be excluded from the control planning and dispatch.
A DERMS can enable ad hoc scheduling of control schemes as well as daily, seasonal, and annual schedules,
and editing of schedules with pre- and intra-control schemes. This covers use cases from emergency reserves
and demand response, to contracted non-wire alternative resource scheduling, to interconnection management
of an annual 8760-h load flow study.
A DERMS can support scheduling of said control/set points via a graphical operator interface, as well as
electronic interface with systems such as an ADMS or interconnection planning application. In certain cases,
a DERMS may need to obtain a validation of the tentative schedule/dispatch instruction from an upstream
system, such as an ADMS. ADMS may provide the approval or provide a revised dispatch schedule based on
the grid conditions/topology and expected impact from attributes of scheduled resources.
The DERMS can support scheduling of predefined groups, including hierarchical groups of groups, or ad hoc
selection of resources for each control scheme.
An aggregator DERMS can provide to the DSO or TSO, see Figure 10 and Figure 11, confirmation that
resources have received the scheduled commands and will be operating as planned or provide an alert to the
operator if confirmation is unavailable.
Utility DERMS can consider dynamic change of load and generation as well as planned grid operations in near
future, and can derive DER dynamic export/import limits for which DER will not jeopardize grid reliability
and power quality in near future. Utility DERMS may provide dynamic export/import limits to a third-party
DERMS. Knowing DER operation limits, a third-party DERMS has the flexibility to plan and adjust DER
behavior in accordance with electric energy markets and not cause grid constraints violations.
It is recognized that the output of some of the DER, namely wind and solar DER, is dictated by the weather
conditions, and that forecasting their output is a useful functionality, as it allows commitment of the power
or energy output by the DER in future instances. However, weather condition monitoring and forecasting
need not be integrated into the DERMS, and can be provided by a third-party service provider. This function,
whatever the supplier, is therefore discussed as part of the DERMS optional functionalities.
5.4 DERMS optional functionalities

5.4.1 Introduction
The functionalities that are optional within the DERMS application may be provided by another application,
or not available at all, depending on the requirements and the implementation.
5.4.2 Monitoring/status of weather data
The DERMS can include a generation forecasting capability that uses machine learning algorithms to predict
the behavior of fleets of connected DER by aggregating data from each behind-the-meter (BTM) grid-edge
and/or in-front-of-the-meter (FTM) utility-scale DER asset. The result is program-specific models that are
continually optimized, providing consistently accurate forecasts at defined intervals. Utility DERMS should
take into account forecast of DER and DR managed by third-party (aggregator) DERMS.
26
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Forecasting is a useful tool in determining the future distributed energy resources availability and capacity
in the dispatch and scheduling functions that enable the provision of specific grid services. The calculations
required can rely on:
— Daily and seasonal variation, such as changes in weather, ambient temperature, solar irradiance, wind
speed, occupancy, and usage profiles that vary from near real-time to longer time periods (i.e., time of
day, day of week, and season of year)
— Load profiles based on historical energy consumption data/patterns, gathered at high temporal
resolution and aggregated from individual DER
— DER operational capabilities, such as types, specifications/nameplate, and operating characteristics of
DER under operation/control
5.4.3 Optional real time operation functionality
5.4.3.1 Optimization/allocation
In the context of a DERMS, optimization most often refers to the “best” allocation of capacity (or other
function) among resources for each moment of time. A DERMS can enable the user to select an optimization
strategy for a given control scheme.
Examples of optimization strategies include:
— Cost merit order: The DERMS can dispatch the collection of lowest cost resources required to achieve
a particular objective.
— Reliability: The DERMS can dispatch the collection of resources with additional resources in reserve,
such that if the largest single (n − 1 contingency) or multiple (n − 1 − 1 contingency) resources fail to
perform, the resources in reserve can cover the shortfall.
— Fairness: The DERMS should be able to fairly dispatch resources of otherwise equal merit based on
program rules and tariffs.
— Response and ramp time: The DERMS can dispatch resources with the appropriate timing, such that
the aggregate response creates the desired shape.
Many optimization strategies may require a combination of these types of rules.
5.4.3.2 Forecasting
There are several types of estimations that may be required from a forecast function for a DERMS to perform
successfully:
1) Gross load forecast: A gross load forecast, also known as a true load forecast, is a representation of
the actual load being served for the desired portion of a circuit at a given time absent the influence of
behind-the-meter DER. For example, for a customer with rooftop PV, it would be the load expected if
the PV was not active (at night, or periods of low irradiance).
2) Net load forecast: A net load forecast is a representation of the load actually being served from the
electric system at the customer meter for the desired portion of a circuit. It reflects the reduction
in gross load from the effects of behind-the-meter DER. This can be based on historical meter
information, SCADA information, and/or weather normalized profiles. This forecast is very important
as a component of under-frequency load shedding (UFLS) forecasting to provide DSOs, TSOs, BAs,
and reliability coordinators (RCs) with how much actual net load relief can be expected from a feeder
or substation that is part of a UFLS system.
27
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
3) Distributed energy resources (generation): This generation forecast would include any resource that
can supply energy to the grid. It would exclude energy storage devices and demand response due
to the unique characteristics of these devices. They will be treated separately. If these resources are
renewable, in addition to nameplate information, weather information may also be required for the
forecast function.
4) Energy storage devices: Energy storage is difficult to forecast, but easy to include as a schedule,
especially if they are also participating in an energy market.
5) Demand response resources: A demand response resource forecast represents the amount of load that
could be interrupted if needed at any given time for the desired portion of a circuit. Depending on the
needs of DSO or TSO, the value can be expressed as gross demand response or net demand response (if
there is behind-the-meter DER and the customer is fully interrupted as part of the demand response).
Forecasting the availability of a demand response resource is difficult if it is a market-participating
resource. If it serves a purely reliability function, the load and DER forecasts can provide an indication
on utilization based on the connectivity model.
A forecast function will have multiple inputs consisting of historical information and environmental forecast
information. The forecast can be derived in several ways, the most common is a top down forecast. This
method is typically used to allocate loads across the model. An alternate method is a bottom up forecast. This
method starts at the lowest level and identifies a forecast for each individual component on the grid that is then
rolled to the next level up based on the connectivity model.
The DER forecasting should be done at an appropriate level depending on the need of who requires the
forecast:
— A DSO may be interested in the forecasts for every single customer account or DER installation.
— A TSO may want to have generation and load forecasts at a substation or transmission node level.
— A balancing authority (BA) may want to have generation and load forecasts at a substation level or
system-level.
— A market operator may want to have generation and load forecasts at a market locational level.
— A reliability coordinator (RC)13 may want to have generation and load forecasts at a system level.
There may also be a need for the aggregation of the forecasts at various levels in between, such as at the feeder
segment, feeder, or substation level.
A forecast function should be able to estimate load and generation for the electric system under normal,
abnormal, peak, and contingency conditions. The required time horizon, granularity, and availability of the
forecast depends on the organization’s needs. In addition, it should not overburden the software applications
using the forecast. For example, an optimization software engine may have limitations on the time it takes to
consume and calculate a solution based on forecast data. Therefore, the forecast function should be adaptable
for the time horizon required that is technically and operationally feasible. As an example, a DSO may require
a forecast interval of several minutes for the next 24 h to 48 h or be able to forecast daily peak conditions for
several months. While a TSO may only require 15-min or hourly forecasts. A forecast function will have
multiple inputs consisting of historical information and environmental forecast information. Development
of forecasts should consider possible effects of rarely occurring events, such as leap year (every four years),
daylight saving time (twice each year), and of random phenomena, such as snow cover on PV panels that may
last for days, hurricane winds, eclipses, etc.
13
The reliability coordinator is the entity that is the highest level of authority who is responsible for the reliable operation of the bulk
electric system, has the wide area view of the bulk electric system, and has the operating tools, processes, and procedures, including the
authority to prevent or mitigate emergency operating situations in both next-day analysis and real-time operations. Some RCs are BAs,
and some operate wholesale markets, but ISOs/RTOs are not necessarily BAs or RCs.
28
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
5.4.4 Fleet/outage management
Individual or fleets of DER may become unavailable for control or monitoring for a variety of reasons. In some
of these scenarios the DER operator is performing intentional maintenance that is planned in advance, and
therefore a schedule can be provided to the DERMS such that the DERMS operator and optimization is aware
that the resources will become unavailable and compensate accordingly. Utility DERMS should be aware of
planned outages scheduled in ADMS because DER can be unavailable for control during plan execution.
The DERMS should also be capable of facilitating further dissemination of DER availability and schedules to
other utility systems such as ADMS, EMS, and external systems such as the ISO/RTO systems.
It would also be beneficial to have the ability to notify DER fleet operators of any planned (or unplanned)
outages of segments of the utility grid, such that they can take appropriate actions for their operations.
5.4.5 Visualization
This function is designed to display and visualize all relevant/useful data. The display can be done in different
ways, for example in tabular, charts, geospatial forms. The DERMS provides the information, the display
is installed wherever convenient. The visualization can be enhanced using situational awareness tools that
display additional information that is useful for the operator.
5.4.6 Settlements
If financial settlements are involved either due to markets or contractual agreements between a utility and
aggregator or DER and DR provider, the DERMS needs to acquire and provide appropriate data for the
settlement. This may include a data exchange between utility and an aggregator, metering system, or other
database to assemble information for either a settlement statement function or have the information available
for export to an external settlement system. The data may include the functional service applicable, applicable
DER units, active and/or reactive power, total active and reactive energy, time stamps, or other appropriate
values the DERMS may have acquired or calculated. Measurement and verification related to the ability of
the resources to meet contractual obligations, auditing of required settings, and the ability to meet a requested
dispatch or constraint may be added tools.
5.4.7 Business rules
Each entity will likely have its own business rules that will impact the operations of the DERMS. The business
rules in the DERMS will operationalize these entity business rules. These business rules will incorporate the
impact of regulations, system operation procedures, asset management information, and system maintenance
requirements.
5.4.8 Historian
A historian captures time series operational information that is available from the DER and DR that is collected
by the DERMS. This information can then be utilized for such functions as system planning, analysis, training,
and operational uses. The historian should keep records of possible effects of rarely occurring events, such as
leap year (every four years), daylight saving time (twice each year), etc., and of random phenomena, such as
snow cover on PV panels that may last for days, hurricane winds, eclipses, etc.
6. DERMS functionality in support of grid services

6.1 General considerations
Grid services are necessary to support the transmission and distribution of electricity from the provider of
energy to the consumer of energy (Denholm, Sun, and Mai [B6]; NERC 2016 [B22]; NERC 2020 [B23]).
These services help ensure that objectives such as grid reliability, availability, power quality, security, and
resiliency are maintained.
29
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
6.2 Approach and categories

6.2.1 Introduction
For this guide, the grid services being described would be applicable for either transmission, distribution, or
generation systems. In some jurisdictions, transmission and generation are referred to as a bulk power system.
Conventional methods of implementation of these services discussed below, utilization of SCADA protocols
and services or manual local control, will not be available for most of the distribution-connected DER,
especially if they are not equipped with smart inverter functions. What will be available are alternate non-
SCADA communication protocols or autonomous control using local measurements.
6.2.2 Grid service providers/users
The providers of grid services for the purpose of the discussion of this guide are independent aggregators and
grid operators that are operating a DERMS.
Some of the newer products a DERMS operator can offer in the ancillary service market through aggregated
DER, in the context of an increasing penetration of renewable energy resources, are ramping services and
fast frequency response. DERMS can also offer other services exploiting this increased penetration, namely
inertial response (wind turbine generators), voltage support (solar/wind generators, battery energy storage),
and frequency and voltage control.
Grid services are utilized by transmission and distribution utilities, DSOs, TSOs, market operators, and BAs to
achieve the objectives defined by these entities.
6.2.3 DERMS aggregation capabilities
Depending on the configuration of the DERMS, the same aggregation capabilities could support both the
historical and forecast representation of the information.
The DERMS enables an aggregation service based on the functionality available in the aggregated DER.
Using the grouping functionality defined in 5.3.3, the DERMS can provide an aggregation of the following
real-time DER quantities, measured at a specified time:
— Active power P (kW, positive and negative)

— Reactive power Q (kVAr, inductive and capacitive)
— Energy (kWh)
— Power over time (kWh equivalent), including ramping power, and frequency regulation
— Reactive power over time, including voltage support on demand and continuous voltage regulation
These quantities can be injected into the electric grid taking into account the following constraints and system
operating conditions:
— Grid locational sensitivities, including congestion and voltage conditions

— Time duration, including contracting period
— Time instance/characterization, including speed of response to the service request and cycle duration
If a given DER is used for multiple services, such as continuous active power injection and frequency
regulation, or continuous active power injection and voltage regulation, the combined provision of the all
services cannot exceed the active power rating and the kVA rating of the device.
30
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
6.3 Energy
Energy delivery is the capability of a DER to deliver a specified quantity of energy within a specified time
interval. The quantity of energy may be a positive or negative value, where a positive value represents net
generation of energy, and a negative value is the net consumption of energy. Energy quantities may be absolute
(directly metered), relative to an established production plan or forecast, or relative to other calculated
baselines.
The DERMS is capable of interpreting and aggregating energy quantities that are measured with different
reference points; for example, directly metered output of a battery, curtailment of solar relative to the
production forecast, and a reduction in EV charging power relative to baseline. In this example, the battery
is delivering positive or negative energy as indicated by the device telemetry, the curtailment of solar is
delivering negative energy (because although it may be producing some energy, it is less than the forecast/
production plan so it counts as a reduction in energy), and the reduction in EV charging is delivering positive
energy (because although the EV may still be consuming energy, it is lower than the baseline consumption).
The DERMS should be capable of scheduling the delivery of specified quantities of energy from a specified
DER or group(s) of DER, for specified time intervals. The DERMS is also capable of monitoring and reporting
the energy delivered. Example:
— Deliver − 5 kWh on segment XYZ from 2020 to 11–30T12:00:00 to 2020–11–30T12:59:59

— Deliver + 15 kWh on segment XYZ from 2020 to 11–30T13:00:00 to 2020–11–30T13:59:59
Requesting the delivery of 0 energy is also a valid quantity, where the intention is for the DER to deliver no
net change in energy delivery relative to the current output, forecast, or baseline. This request of 0 energy
still represents a period of control, rather than times of uncontrolled energy use where devices may naturally
deviate from the expected operation (i.e., natural variation in solar generation relative to forecast).
6.4 Capacity
6.4.1 Introduction
Capacity services contribute to the ability of the power system to meet the load requirements. There may be
one or more capacity services that are required to support system reliability over different time frames.
6.4.2 Basic capacity
A basic capacity service is the capability of DER to deliver power. This service can either provide or consume
power. This could be an additional service in parallel with an energy delivery service.
6.4.3 Load shaping and shifting
Load shaping is the ability to increase load during the periods of low demand and higher generation levels from
must-run generators, or the ability to reduce load during the periods of high demand or capacity constraints.
Figure 5 is a representation of peak load reduction. Figure 6 is an example of shifting load from the peak to
a different time of the day. These functions can primarily be implemented using demand response or energy
storage.
31
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 5—Load shaving
Figure 6—Load shifting
6.4.4 Ramping reserve capacity
Ramping reserve capacity, a flexibility service, is the capability to dynamically control the ramp rate of the
power flowing between a DER and the system by either by:
— Reducing output or increasing load (countering a downward ramp in net load), typically in the morning
as load is increasing but solar output is rapidly increasing, or
— Increasing output or reducing load (countering an upward ramp in net load), typically in the evening as
load is increasing but solar output is decreasing as the sun sets
Ramping reserves are dynamic power reserves associated with system load/resource balancing requirements
of the balancing authority under normal operations. Ramping capacity is a portion of the available capacity
of the DERMS fleet reserved for periods of time prescribed by the balancing authority. That reserve capacity
cannot be used for energy sales during the period reserved by the balancing authority. However, ramping
reserves may be converted to frequency responsive reserves during the designated ramping period. Outside of
the designated ramping period, ramping reserve capacity may be used by the DERMS frequency control, load
following, or energy sales, but must be re-dispatched by the DERMS to agreed-to levels in preparation for the
next ramping period.
Ramping dispatch directions are specified to the DERMS by the balancing authority in coordination with the
DSO/TSO of MW/min for a specific time period, or until the ramping capacity reserves are exhausted. The
ramping service can be dispatched on demand.
32
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
6.5 Constraint management

6.5.1 Introduction
When a distribution or transmission limit violation is identified, either in real time or forecasted, the DERMS
may be in a position to provide service(s) that can help manage that violation by re-dispatching its DER
to alleviate overloads or mitigate voltage or power quality problems. Constraint management is an optional
functionality for DERMS, but only if it has information on the electrical network. It cannot perform this
function if it does not have this information. It should be noted that a dispatch may refer to a request for active/
reactive power to meet a constraint or to the dispatch of a constraint to a DER (e.g., limiting export to a certain
amount, or curtailment).
The re-dispatch plans can address both thermal and power quality limits in an integrated manner, and can
consider all aspects of DER capabilities, availability, operational constraints, forecasted load, forecasted DER
generation, business and/or contractual constraints, and in developing a DER dispatch plan to resolve the
identified violations based grid state, as made available to the DERMS.
The dispatch plans for forecasted future conditions would normally project over 24 to 48 h. The plan should be
generated considering the impact holistically over multiple time intervals far enough out into the future to help
minimize future violations. Forecasts as covered in 5.4.3.2 would be used as an input. In the future dispatch
plans, uncertainty of forecasted future conditions should include:
— Uncertainty of load and weather forecasts

— Uncertainty of non-dispatchable DER
— Impact of re-dispatched DER on load forecasts
— Operational constraints on the availability and controllability of the DER, and communications
— Optimization of the dispatch plan, as covered in 5.4.3.1, may be enabled to include economic factors
Business and contractual constraints or rules that should be addressed by the plan include 5.4.7. Examples of
business rules to be considered are:
— Tariffs per appropriate regulatory authority(s)

— Priorities, such as utilizing all available utility DER before altering a customer DER scheduled under a
firm market dispatch
— Contract/program rules which limit the availability of resources
The dispatch plan commands should be stored and communicated to DSOs and TSOs via defined protocols,
including commands to return to the default state.
6.5.2 Cold load pickup
The DERMS may be capable of interfacing with an outage management system (OMS) or responsible module
of the ADMS to assist in fault location, isolation, and service restoration (FLISR), and specifically supporting
power restoration by managing connected DER to counter traditional effects of cold load pickup. This is a
special case of constraint management, where DER are leveraged to efficiently support relief of distribution
or transmission grid constraints. However, it is important to note that some DER may have limited capabilities
when transitioning from an unpowered state.
A DERMS may be able to assist in locating faults in the distribution system by identifying out-of-bounds
measurements, such as high, low, or loss of voltage, for specific DER which have been mapped to specific
33
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
segments of the grid. Note that some DER may be able to remain connected to communication networks
during power disturbances, while others may be unable to communicate during loss of grid power.
Typical challenges of cold load pickup on a restored feeder is a result of loss of load diversity, and this would
also apply to unmanaged DER. For example, air conditioners and charging of electric vehicles may result in a
large draw of power immediately after power restoration, and inverter-based DER, such as solar PV and battery
energy storage, may result in large fluctuations in load 300 s after power restoration (per IEEE Std 1547-2018).
A DERMS can assist in reducing the instantaneous power required for restoration, as well as manage the
ramping requirements after restoration. The DERMS may accomplish this by delaying and staggering the
restart of impacted DER, and potentially curtailing their operation as needed. For example, if a group of electric
vehicles had been charging prior to the power outage, they would typically all start charging immediately
upon restoration of power, however a DERMS could manage the electric vehicle chargers such that one starts
charging after 5 min, another 5 min later, another 5 min later, and so on.
Similarly, a DERMS may be allowed to adjust settings of connected inverters such that they can reconnect at
staggered times to create a generation ramp, rather than sudden generation at 300 s. The DERMS may also
temporarily adjust the low-/high-voltage ride-through (L/HVRT ) and low-/high-frequency ride-through (L/
HFRT ) inverter settings to prevent sudden and cascading loss of distributed generation during restoration
activity.
It is also incumbent on the DERMS not to restart DER if the frequency is too high.
6.6 Frequency control and response

Frequency control is the device-level continuous, autonomous adjustment of DER output in response to a
frequency error from scheduled frequency14 under normal operating conditions. Frequency response is the
device-level automatic adjustment of DER output in response to a frequency error from scheduled frequency
for significant frequency events.
Both frequency control and frequency response require the reservation of a portion of the available capacity
(head room and foot room) to allow the DER to respond to frequency perturbations above and below the
scheduled frequency when outside prescribed deadbands.15 The available foot room can be from actual power
output to Pmin (minimum power that the plant can be curtailed to, which could be zero). Frequency control
and response should be performed by the DER using a non-step proportional response and a specified droop
characteristic, Figure 7.
The DERMS would transmit the scheduled frequency, the prescribed frequency bandwidth, droop
characteristic(s), and the portion of available capacity to reserve for use in frequency response. DERMS would
more likely provide frequency control and response services from transmission-connected DER.
Since the DER frequency response service is part of the system’s primary frequency response for frequency
events, the energy supplied by the DER as a response during the arresting and rebound periods and must be
sustainable until secondary frequency response on the system is provided by automatic generating control
(AGC) or system operator re-dispatch. A typical system frequency event is shown in Figure 8.
Fast frequency response (FFR) is the ability to dynamically respond to frequency deviations with a droop
characteristic within a 1% to 3% range over the rated capacity of the DER. The lower droop characteristics
allow the DER to provide its full head room capacity faster than the 4% to 5% droop characteristics associated
with the governor action of conventional synchronous generation. The result of the faster replacement during
the arresting period of energy lost in the frequency event is a quicker recovery and a nadir that is higher.
Figure 9 illustrates the result of the application of FFR in addition to conventional primary frequency response.
14
The scheduled frequency in North America is 60.00 Hz, or 60.02 Hz during slow time error corrections, and 59.98 Hz during fast time
error corrections.
15
The prescribed deadbands in North America are ± 36 MHz for the Eastern, Western, and Quebec Interconnections, and ± 16.67 MHz
for the Texas Interconnection.
34
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 7—Frequency control: non-step proportional versus step response
Figure 8—Typical frequency excursion and response (adapted from NERC 2016 [B22])
35
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 9—Typical frequency response with fast-acting DERMS coordinated DER
The output of a transmission-connected DER facility may temporarily exceed its interconnection rating when
providing primary frequency response if studies by the DSO/TSO/RC indicate there are no problems with the
short thermal overloads or detrimental voltage impacts. If those studies indicate that the exceedance of the
rating causes stability problems, the exceedance would be disallowed. During normal operations, the ratings
should be enforced, and exceedances of the interconnection rating are inappropriate.
6.7 Black start

Black start is the capability to restore the system after a significant event. This would utilize DER equipped
with grid-forming capabilities to provide a voltage and frequency reference for other DER. This service is
not related to setting up an island, as is the case in a microgrid being islanded, but to configure a reference
generator to enable power system restoration, and allow restarting and reconnection of other DER. This
process would be managed through the DERMS. Black start capability should only be implemented based on
predetermined studies.
6.8 Resilience
Resilience is the capability of the grid to withstand significant events with minimal impact to customers.
DERMS would utilize the DER to help support the grid. One method of doing this may be through the creation
of temporary microgrids.
6.9 Voltage support

Voltage support requirements are identified by applications such as those found within an ADMS or EMS.
These source applications may implement this via volt/var optimization (VVO) or volt/watt optimization as
required by automatically controlling DER capable of dynamically correcting excursions outside of voltage
limits. The smart inverter of the DER can absorb/inject reactive power (volt/var) as well as control the active
power output (volt/watt) to maintain voltage and mitigate voltage rise caused by the DER itself. The DERMS
then implements these requirements as a proxy to the individual or aggregated DER. The implementation is
subject to the constraints the source systems are aware of.
36
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
7. Specific DERMS implementation and interoperability considerations

7.1 General considerations and approaches
In implementing a DERMS, the following aspects should be considered:
— Cybersecurity: Cyber vulnerabilities must be identified and addressed.

— Communication systems: There are a number of available communication hardware and protocols
available. The more common ones are listed in 7.3.
— DERMS deployment considerations: General issues that impact the cost, effort, and integration
requirements are mentioned in 7.4.
— DERMS configurations: Examples are given for a DERMS deployment in distribution and transmission
systems. These summarize the interactions between the DERMS, the aggregated DER, and the entities
and systems with which the DERMS interacts, including the distribution and transmission system
operators. The relationship between DERMS and microgrids and virtual power plants (VPP), as well
as aggregators of DER, is discussed in 7.5.
The architecture and interoperability considerations are based on the approach presented in the
IEEE Std 2030™-2011, and adapts the smart grid interoperability reference model (SGIRM) to structuring the
functional specification of the DERMS from the interoperability perspective.
7.2 Cybersecurity
While this guide will not directly address the cybersecurity requirements, it provides directional input
as to other sources that may be used to establish the appropriate cybersecurity. The primary source is
IEEE Std C37.240™-2014. Within IEEE Std C37.240–2014 is a list of other sources and how they are utilized
in a broader scope. In addition to other functional requirements, all security requirements of the supported
communication protocols should be implemented (refer to 7.3).
7.3 Communications
A list of common protocols used in DER communication is identified in Table 6. The protocol to be utilized
may be specified by the area EPS operator. Additional protocols, including proprietary protocols, may be
allowed under mutual agreement between area EPS operator and DER operator. Additional physical layers
may be supported along with those specified in Table 6.
The following protocol sets have been identified as viable communication protocols for DER (DNP AN2018–
001 [B7]; IEC 61850:2021 [B9]; SunSpec [B28]):
Table 6—Common DER protocols

Protocol set Security profile Transport Physical layer
IEEE Std 1815™-2012 (DNP3) IEC/TS 62351-5 [B15] TCP/IP Ethernet
IEEE Std 2030.5™-2018 Defined within standard TCP/IP Ethernet
OpenADR 2.0b [B27] Defined within standard TCP/IP Ethernet
IEC 61850 protocols (e.g., MMS,
IEC 61850 8-1, XMP, IEC 61850 Corresponding IEC/TS
TCP/IP Ethernet
8-2) [B9]; IEC 61968-5 [B10], 62351 standards [B14]
and IEC 61968-100 [B11]
IEC 60870-5-104 [B8] IEC TS 60870-5-7 [B13] TCP/IP Ethernet
Not defined; must be defined TCP/IP Ethernet
SunSpec Modbus [B28]
outside protocol definition N/A RS-485
37
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
In addition, it is possible that manufacturers utilize other protocols as well. A DERMS should be flexible
enough to utilize other protocols. However, cybersecurity should be evaluated in each implementation.
Communication performance requirements for the interface to DER are set forth in Table 42 of IEEE Std 1547-
2018. These requirements do not constrain or define the performance of various communication systems that
may be utilized to integrate DER, but only apply to the DER themselves (from IEEE Std 1547-2018). Other
standards can also be applied to communications between DER (IEC 61968-5:2020 [B10]).
7.4 DERMS deployment considerations

A DERMS allows the reliable aggregation and coordination of the DER available to enable grid services.
These services can be offered to a number of stakeholders, including distribution system operators (DSO),
transmission systems operators (TSO), balancing authorities (BA), and any other entities that can benefit from
the grid services offered (NERC 2014 [B21]; NERC 2019 [B25]).
Utilities may need to invest in foundational grid capabilities to be able to manage the integration of DER as
their penetration levels increase and the grid becomes more complex, in order to help support the reliability
and security of the electric power supply. One approach is to deploy the potential for flexibility that can be
provided by the different grid assets, including DER, and to set up DER-based grid-support services. One of
the functions of the DERMS is to aggregate DER to enable the required grid services. The notion of flexibility
services, including the services that can be provided by various DER assets, are summarized in Annex B.
Utilities need to develop critical DERMS functionalities as an alternative to enhancing the capabilities of
central power generation and conventional power grid assets. This would enable DER to enhance their
existing value streams without violating grid constraints. Capabilities need to be developed to orchestrate
DER services across multiple third-party–controlled DER connected to the grid. A DERMS, operated by a
utility or a third-party aggregator, as shown in Figure 10, is one approach to enable these DER grid services.
A DERMS should be deployed in a location where secure access to all assets and services to be managed by
the system is available and where users have access to the user interface elements of the system. Depending
on the intended usage of the DERMS, this location will vary. For example, as illustrated in Figure 10, a utility
DERMS will likely need to be deployed on a secured network internal to the utility; by contrast, an aggregator
DERMS will likely be deployed on secured infrastructure owned or administered by an aggregator.
It is also possible to deploy a DERMS in an off-site location where the infrastructure is provided by a third-
party computer hosting provider. In this case, additional security and regulatory issues should be considered,
including:
— Security of data in transit between on-site and off-site locations

— Security of data at remainder of the off-site locations
— Security of requests sent from the off-site location to the external internet
— Backups of off-site data
— Availability of hosting infrastructure (typically part of service level agreements [SLAs] and up-time
requirements)
As part of deployment, performance requirements would need to be determined.
Standards and certifications for DER continue to evolve—e.g., cybersecurity, IEEE Std 1547-2018, smart
inverter functions (EPRI 2016 [B4]; NERC 2018 [B24]), power quality (IEEE Std 1159.3–2019 [B16];
IEEE Std 1250-2011 [B17]; IEEE Std 1453-2011 [B18])—and DERMS products will therefore continue to
evolve over time. Even if standards are being developed and deployed, the implementation into products is
still in the early phases.
38
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
7.5 DERMS configuration examples

7.5.1 General considerations
Figure 10 and Figure 11 represent two possible configurations for a utility DERMS implementation. Table 7
describes the different modules represented in the figures.
Figure 10—DERMS deployment and operation example: distribution system application
Figure 11—DERMS deployment and operation example: transmission application
39
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Table 7—Module descriptions

Component Description
ADMS ADMS is typically a system that combines the function of a
distribution management system and an outage management system.
Aggregator DERMS An aggregator DERMS is typically a DERMS used by a third
party to simplify the interface to multiple third-party DER.
Business rules The business rules engine is an application that codifies the
operating principles of the utility to assist the operation tools.
DER Distributed energy resources both in-front-of-the-
meter and behind-the-meter installations.
DER FM DER fleet management (DER FM) is an application used to provide
DER and connectivity impacts that could influence the market.
D-model (Model) D-model (Model) is the electrical model of the grid
representing the appropriate level of detail.
Distribution optimal power flow (D-OPF) D-OPF is a distribution three phase unbalanced optimal
power flow that is aware of grid configurations.
EMS Energy management system combines many of the functions
identified in the distribution model with the model of the
transmission system to typically manage the transmission system.
Generation Generation is large plant installations that
provide many services to the grid.
Operational service bus (OSB) The OSB aids in interface development, typically
replacing point-to-point interfaces.
SCADA Supervisory control and data acquisition.
Settlements Settlements represents the settlement function of the host
utility. Typically a standalone application within the utility.
Short-term forecasting engine (STFE) STFE is an application that can generate a
forecast out to a two-month window.
Third-party applications Third-party external programs designed to enable
specific DERMS-related functions
Utility DERMS Is the utility instance of the DERMS application.
7.5.2 Distribution system implementation model
Figure 10 summarizes a potential DERMS position and interaction with the distribution system environment.
In this implementation, the DERMS is one of several systems that helps control and monitor the grid. It
becomes an integral part of the operation of the grid.
7.5.3 Transmission system implementation model
Figure 11 summarizes a potential DERMS position and interaction with the transmission system environment.
In this implementation, the DERMS is one of several systems that helps control and monitor the grid. It
becomes an integral part of the operation of the grid.
7.5.4 Use of DERMS in VPP and microgrid implementation
7.5.4.1 Introduction
A DERMS facilitates the provision of services from an aggregation of DER whether owned by the DERMS
operator or by third parties, see Figure 12. Therefore, the approach proposed in this guide for the development
of a functional specification for a DERMS can be extended to the implementation of systems aggregating
DER, namely a virtual power plant (VPP) or microgrid control systems. This is based on the fact that both the
VPP and the microgrid are aggregators of DER.
40
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 12—DERMS aggregation of DER and DR
7.5.4.2 Virtual power plant (VPP)
A VPP is defined in this guide as a DERMS designed to aggregate and control assets in blocks of resources,
including conventional generation and DER, that can be remotely and automatically dispatched using meters,
a software system, and a communications network, see Figure 13.
A VPP may bid into a market and must be dispatched by the balancing authority or market operator in a
manner that complies with procedures for security-constrained economic dispatch within the market by the
transmission or distribution operator. This avoids potential overloading, voltage control problems, or stability
problems. It is desirable to have all resources of a VPP be connected to the same distribution or transmission
system to better perform security-constrained dispatch.
All resources of a VPP must be within the metered boundaries of a single balancing authority. The services of
VPP resources should only be sold/accounted for within a single market operator (or a subset such as a single
distribution or transmission system for internal consumption) at a given time to provide accountability and
avoid potential for double counting of those resources.
41
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 13—VPP structure and aggregation of DER and DR
7.5.4.3 Microgrids
A microgrid is defined in IEEE Std 2030.7™-2017 as a system that can manage itself, operate autonomously
or grid connected, and connect to and disconnect from the main power grid for the exchange of power and
the supply of ancillary services to the grid, the support of the grid, and the participation in the energy market
and/or utility system operation, as applicable. It can perform the same aggregation functions as a VPP, as
illustrated in Figure 14. The dispatch function of the microgrid, responsible for the energy management of the
DER and for the provision of grid services, can be configured using the principles defined in this guide for the
development of the functional specification of a DERMS.
7.5.4.4 Comparison between VPP and microgrid
Although the VPP and the microgrid both aggregate DER, the main purpose of the aggregation is different. A
VPP is primarily set up to provide power and energy and grid services to the power grid. The primary objective
of any given microgrid is determined by the owner and operator, typically based on needs and incentives.
A microgrid can be designed for grid support, be connected with the grid as much as possible, and support
the system. Microgrid DER are often more capable of supporting the grid because of their grid-forming
capabilities and ride-through capabilities required for islanded operation. Microgrids often provide ancillary
grid services because of the financial incentives.
42
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 14—Microgrid structure and aggregation of DER and DR
7.5.4.5 DERMS aggregation of VPP and microgrid
In addition to aggregating individual or groupings of DER, a DERMS can also aggregate VPPs and microgrids,
see Figure 15. The physical location, the connected assets and system feeders and their voltage and power
levels, distribution or transmission, is defined by the purpose of the DERMS and the services it is designed to
provide. In the case of the VPP, the constraints described above should be considered.
7.6 Architecture and interoperability considerations

7.6.1 Guiding principles
The basis of the requirements for the DERMS architecture and interoperability considerations is IEEE Std 2030-
2011. It is the intent of the discussion in this section to extend the concepts identified in IEEE Std 2030-2011
to accommodate a DERMS. To fully understand this discussion, the user of this guide will need to refer to this
standard and the extensions identified in this guide.
The architectural principles that define the success of a device or system designed for an intelligent grid
implementation should include the following features, listed in the standard: standardization, openness,
interoperability, security, extensibility, scalability, manageability, upgradeability, shareability, ubiquity,
integrity, and ease of use. The integration of power, communications, and information technologies is essential
for a standardized electric power infrastructure that reliably and securely supplies loads while accommodating
the ongoing evolution of the requirements of end-use applications.
IEEE Std 2030-2011 provides guidelines for interoperability of the various elements of an intelligent grid.
It provides a comprehensive structure to address terminology, characteristics, functional performance and
43
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 15—DERMS aggregation of VPP, microgrid, and DER
evaluation criteria, and the application of engineering principles to the interoperability of the intelligent
electric grid components, allowing the electric power system to interface with end use applications and loads.
The IEEE Std 2030-2011 smart grid interoperability reference model (SGIRM) and methodology present
interoperable design and implementation alternatives for systems that facilitate data exchange among
smart grid elements, loads, and end-use applications. The concept of the SGIRM and its tools is to allow the
implementation of the smart grid architectural principles listed earlier, notably, interoperability, extensibility,
scalability, upgradeability, security, and safety.
The principles underlying interoperability requirements in the SGIRM are shown in Figure 16 and Figure 17.
— Figure 16 summarizes the required interactions that define an SGIRM application element. The
DERMS is one such element. It is a software system that requires knowledge of the aggregated DER,
obtained through data exchanges and data flows, to fulfill application objectives, namely to enable the
provision of grid services. To achieve this, the DERMS assembles the resources needed to conduct
and manage the process of aggregating DER. These include software modules and devices (DER),
communication systems, and other equipment and systems.
— Figure 17 completes the description of the operation of the DERMS, Element X, from the
interoperability perspective, by illustrating the information exchange occurring with other elements,
such as Element Y, that could represent the active distribution management system (ADMS), see
Figure 3. This information exchange should meet interoperability requirements. The interaction
between the DERMS and the ADMS may involve the relevant industry standards for power,
information, and communication technologies.
44
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 16—SGIRM application element model—application to DERMS (adapted from

IEEE Std 2030-2011, Figure 8-3)
Figure 17—Information exchange between application elements DERMS and ADMS

(adapted from IEEE Std 2030-2011, Figure 8-2)
45
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
7.6.2 Smart grid interoperability reference model (SGIRM)
The SGIRM identifies and defines the interfaces between functional domains of the power grid and describes
the relationships among the domains, including the characteristics of the data that flow between them. As part
of the DERMS discussion, additional entities and interfaces will be defined that will reside in the different
domains. In this guide, the SGIRM has been simplified to focus the DERMS implementation.
Domains common to all of the SGIRM elements (see Figure 18) include the following (NIST [B26]):
— Generation, including bulk generation and distributed generation and storage (DER): Central power
plants generate electricity in bulk quantities. Energy may be stored at the bulk generation or distribution
levels.
— Transmission: The carrier of bulk electricity over long distances.
— Distribution: The distributers of electricity to and from customers.
— Service providers: The organizations providing services to electrical customers and utilities.
— Markets: The operators and participants in electricity markets.
— Control/operations: The management of the movements of electricity.
— Customers: The end users and/or producers of electricity.
Figure 18—SGIRM domain view (adapted from NIST [B26])
46
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
7.6.3 Concept of interoperability architectural perspective (IAP)
This section summarizes the SGIRM model and adapts it, where required, to introduce an interoperability
perspective in the development of a DERMS functional specification.
Interoperability is achieved by the integrated use in the SGIRM of the following three interoperability
architectural perspectives (IAP), (see Figure 19):
— PS-IAP, the power system structure and components

— IT-IAP, the information technology aspect
— CT-IAP, the communications technology deployed.
Figure 19—Interoperability architectural perspectives (IAP) relationships
The goal of each perspective of the proposed architecture is to address the interoperability relation between the
three layers. While the three technologies share this common goal, each perspective contains specific aspects
addressed from the individual architectural-specific purposes of the technology used.
The three IAPs primarily relate to logical, functional considerations of the power system, the communications
technology, and the information technology operation and interfaces for interoperability. They are summarized
below with specific reference to defining the functional specification of a DERMS:
— Power system IAP (PS-IAP): The emphasis of the power system perspective is the production, delivery,
and consumption of electric energy including apparatus, applications, and operational concepts. This
perspective defines seven domains common to all three perspectives: bulk generation, transmission,
distribution, service providers, markets, control/operations, and customers. In defining the DERMS
functional specification, and given that the DERMS enables grid services to distribution and
transmission systems, in support of bulk generation, and involves service providers, markets, control/
47
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
operations, and customer assets, all the power system elements defined in the SGIRM are involved in
defining the DERMS operation and the interoperability requirements of a DERMS implementation.
— Information technology IAP (IT-IAP): The emphasis of the information technology perspective is the
control of processes and data management flow. The perspective includes technologies that process,
store, manage, control, and secure the information data flow. Since a DERMS is an application
platform designed to manage device information, monitor and enable optimization and control of DER
and DR, a significant part of its operation involves various functions of an information technology
infrastructure.
— Communications technology IAP (CT-IAP): The emphasis of the communications technology
perspective is communication connectivity among systems, devices, and applications. The perspective
includes communication networks, media, system performance requirements, and protocols. A
DERMS deployment requires a realible and robust communication technology infrastructure. The
details of the specific technology used is not specified in this guide.
The IAPs of the SGIRM are composed of domains, entities, interfaces, and data flows.
— Domains common to all of the SGIRM IAPs are described in 7.6.2 and Figure 18. The details of the
interaction between elements of a domain are illustrated in Figure 20 for the generation domain.
— Entities (devices, communication networks, computer systems, software programs, etc.) are generally
located inside a domain, Figure 20, and are connected to each other through one or more interfaces.
Each perspective has entities that map to its technology. Each entity can also map to one or more
appropriate entity in another perspective.
— Interfaces, Figure 20, are logical connections from one entity to another that support one or more data
flows implemented with one or more data links.
— Data flows are used instead of interfaces in the IT-IAP. These data flows are application-level
communications from entities that provide data to entities that consume data.
Figure 20—SGIRM domain view example—generation domain details
7.6.4 Application of SGIRM to DERMS interoperability requirements
Figure 21, Figure 22, and Figure 23 illustrate the perspectives or layers, the PS-IAP, IT-IAP, and CT-IAP
respectively, as applied to the DERMS implementation.
48
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 21—DERMS aggregator interoperability within the PS-IAP (adapted from

IEEE Std 2030-2011)
Figure 22—DERMS interoperability within the IT-IAP (adapted from IEEE Std 2030-2011)
49
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure 23—DERMS functional interoperability within the CT-IAP (adapted from

IEEE Std 2030-2011)
Table 8—IAP entities and descriptions—additions to IEEE Std 2030-2011

Entity Description Comments
Bulk generation Conventional or renewable generation Typical generation types include nuclear,
source that is connected to the fossil fuels, hydro, and various non–
electrical transmission system. inverter-based renewable resources.
Bulk storage Electric storage that is connected to Bulk storage technologies include
the electrical transmission system. pumped hydro, compressed air,
geothermal, superconducting magnetic
energy storage, and batteries.
Generation Transmission-connected inverter- Inverter-based renewable resources and energy
distributed energy based renewable resources and energy storage that would be in the bulk generation and
resources (GDER) storage managed by a DERMS. storage entities if not managed by a DERMS.
Aggregator Electric service provider specialized Aggregators can be the electric utility or a
in the management of DER. third party. They provide the standard electric
service provider functions to DER owners.
Utility DERMS Utility distributed energy resources Manages utility DER including both in-
management system provides front-of-the-meter and behind-the-meter
monitoring and control of DER on either DER. Utilizes data from the DSO, TSO,
the distribution or transmission system. customer, and control/operations. There may
be one or more instances of a DERMS in a
utility based on operating configuration.
Table continues
50
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Table 8—IAP entities and descriptions—additions to IEEE Std 2030-2011 (continued)

Entity Description Comments
Aggregator DERMS Aggregator distributed energy Manages DER including behind-the-meter
management system provides and potentially in-front-of-the-meter
monitoring and control of behind-the- DER. Utilizes data from the DSO, TSO,
meter and potentially in-front-of-the- customer, and control/operations. There may
meter DER, and also aggregate some be one or more instances of a aggregator
smallera transmission-connected DER. DERMS communicating with a utility.
ADMS Advanced distribution The system comprising both distribution
management system. management system and outage
management system functionality.
Distribution distributed Distribution-connected energy Typically inverter-based renewable
energy resources and energy storage. resources and energy storage. These
facilities would be connected to the electrical
grid at distribution level voltages.
Transmission-connected DER below 20 MVA—larger facilities would probably be controlled directly by the TSO and BA.
a
Table 9—IAP interfaces—additions to IEEE Std 2030-2011

Interface Entity 1 Entity 2 Comments
PSN01 Generation distributed Generation operation Provides generation information and
energy resources and control control of generation DER. Interfaces
include those for control, monitoring,
SCADA, reporting, and telephony.
PSN02 Generation distributed Generation distributed Interfaces between two or more
energy resources (GDER) energy resources GDER. Interfaces include those
for protection, control, monitoring,
reporting, and SCADA.
PSN03 Generation distributed Transmission operation Provides for information exchange
energy resources and control for GDER. Interfaces include those
for control, monitoring, SCADA,
reporting, and telephony.
PSN04 Generation distributed Market Wholesale market operations control
energy resources to optimize portfolio of GDER.
Interfaces include those for control,
monitoring, reporting, and telephony.
ITN01 Generation distributed Dispatch This interface provides operational
energy resources instructions to the GDER.
ITN02 Generation distributed Utility DERMS Power system monitoring (capacity,
energy resources availability, etc.) of GDER.
Possible reactive power control.
ITN03 Utility DERMS Aggregator DERMS Bulk generation–related
DERMS instance
ITN04 Utility DERMS Aggregator DERMS Distribution distributed energy
resources related dERMS instance.
ITN05 Aggregator DERMS Customer information Customer information
supporting the use of DER.
ITN06 Utility DERMS Distribution Information supports the real-
management system time situational awareness
and control of DER.
Table continues
51
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Table 9—IAP interfaces—additions to IEEE Std 2030-2011 (continued)

Interface Entity 1 Entity 2 Comments
ITN07 Utility DERMS ADMS Information supports the real-
time situational awareness
and control of DER.
ITN08 Utility DERMS Distribution DER Provides generation information
and control of distribution DER.
Interfaces include those for control,
monitoring, and SCADA.
ITN09 Utility DERMS Energy management Information supports the real-
system time situational awareness
and control of DER.
7.7 Other considerations

7.7.1 Fail-safes
To support resiliency, DERMS architecture should be designed to maintain acceptable performance in the
presence of communication interruptions between the various subcomponents of the system, non-compliant
behavior of individual components, including DER. These situations may result from failure modes of
individual components, weather related interruptions, or cybersecurity events.
Individual DER, microgrid controllers, third-party DERMS, and utility DERMS should actively monitor
communications health and incorporate fail-safes in the event of extended communication interruptions or
be designed to operate satisfactorily under these conditions by incorporating appropriate design margins. For
directly-interfaced DER, this requires appropriate local automation logic to modify the settings of the DER
to predefined set points. Control applications should update algorithms and set points to other DER to reflect
the loss of observability and controllability of affected DER, ensuring system reliability while maximizing
performance under this degraded state.
Fail-safe settings for DER may include: predetermined fail-safe settings (active power limit, reactive power
limit/set point), keeping the DER energized with zero output, or reversion to autonomous IEEE Std 1547-
2018 settings. Tripping of non-compliant DER may be required in certain extreme cases.
The specific fail-safe settings will depend on whether continuous communications with the DER asset is
required to maintain system reliability, the nameplate capacity of the individual DER to the aggregate capacity
of all DER in a control zone, and other considerations the DSO or TSO and system architect may deem
important.
7.7.2 Third-party applications
Higher level functions may be provided by third parties. These include optimization functions such as volt/var
control and conservation voltage reduction (CVR), refer to 6.9. These third-party applications can be added
to the general DERMS functionalities. The packaged functions can be routed through the operational service
bus, as shown in Figure 10 and Figure 11. The core network management and fail-safe functionalities remain
operational priorities over the higher-level functions provided by third parties.
52
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Annex A
(informative)
Bibliography
Bibliographical references are resources that provide additional or helpful material but do not need to be
understood or used to implement this guide. Reference to these resources is made for informational use only.
[B1] Common Smart Inverter Profile: IEEE 2030.5 Implementation Guide for Smart Inverters, Version 2,
March 2018.16
[B2] EPRI, Understanding DERMS, June 2018. 17
[B3] EPRI, Common Functions for DER Group Management, 3rd ed., Nov. 2016.
[B4] EPRI, Common Functions for Smart Inverters, 4th ed., Dec. 2016.
[B5] EPRI, DER Group Management for Coordinated Operations Across the T&D Interface, Principal
Investigators: B. Seal, J. Boemer, and A. Renjit, Dec. 2019.
[B6] Denholm, P., Y. Sun, and T. Mai, An Introduction to Grid Services: Concepts, Technical Requirements,
and Provision from Wind, National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Jan. 2019.
[B7] DNP AN2018–001, DNP3 Profile for Communications with Distributed Energy Resources (DERs),
DNP Users Group, 2019.
[B8] IEC 60807-5-104, Telecontrol equipment and systems—Part 5–104: Transmission protocols—Network
access for IEC 60870-5-101 using standard transport profiles.18
[B9] IEC 61850:2021 Series, Communication networks and systems for power utility automation.
[B10] IEC 61968-5:2020, Application integration at electric utilities—System interfaces for distribution
management—Part 5: Distributed energy optimization.
[B11] IEC 61968-100, Application integration at electric utilities—System interfaces for distribution
management—Part 100: Implementation profiles.
[B12] IEC 61970-301:2020, Energy management system application program interface (EMS-API)—Part
301: Common information model (CIM) base.
[B13] IEC/TS 60870-5-7, Telecontrol equipment and systems—Part 5–7: Transmission protocols—Security
extensions to IEC 60870-5-101 and IEC 60870-5-104 protocols (applying IEC 62351).
[B14] IEC/TS 62351, Power Systems Management and Associated Information Exchange—Datta and
Communications Security.
[B15] IEC/TS 62351-5, Power Systems Management and Associated Information Exchange—Datta and
Communications Security—Part 5: Security for IEC 60870-5 and Derivatives.
16
Available at: https://sunspec.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/04/CSIPImplementationGuidev2.103-15-2018.pdf.
17
EPRI publications are available from the Electric Power Research Institute (https://www.epri.com).
18
IEC publications are available from the International Electrotechnical Commission (https://www.iec.ch) and the American National
Standards Institute (https://www.ansi.org/).
53
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
[B16] IEEE Std 1159.3™-2019, IEEE Recommended Practice for Power Quality Data Interchange Format
(PQDIF).19,20
[B17] IEEE Std 1250™-2011, IEEE Guide for Identifying and Improving Voltage Quality in Power Systems.
[B18] IEEE Std 1453™-2015, IEEE Recommended Practice for the Analysis of Fluctuating Installations on
Power Systems.
[B19] International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA), Innovative Ancillary Services—Innovative

Landscape Brief, 2019.
[B20] FERC, Distributed Energy Resources—Technical Considerations for the Bulk Power System, Staff
Report, Docket No. AD18–10–000, Feb. 2018.
[B21] NERC, Essential Reliability Services Task Force—A Concept Paper on Essential Reliability Services
That Characterize Bulk Power System Reliability, Oct. 2014. 21
[B22] NERC, Essential Reliability Services—Whitepaper on Sufficiency Guidelines, Dec. 2016.
[B23] NERC, Fast Frequency Response Concepts and Bulk Power System Reliability Needs—NERC
Inverter-Based Resource Performance Task Force (IRPTF)—White Paper, Mar. 2020.
[B24] NERC, Reliability Guideline—BPS-Connected Inverter-Based Resource Performance, Sep. 2018.
[B25] NERC, Reliability Guideline—Improvements to Interconnection Requirements for BPS-Connected

Inverter-Based Resources, Sep. 2019.
[B26] NIST Special Publication 1108r3, NIST Framework and Roadmap for Smart Grid Interoperability
Standards, Release 3.0, Oct. 2014.
[B27] OpenADR 2.0b Profile Specification.22
[B28] SunSpec Modbus Technology Overview, 14 Apr. 2015.
19
The IEEE standards or products referred to in Annex A are trademarks owned by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers,
Incorporated.
20
IEEE publications are available from The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (https://standards.ieee.org/).
21
NERC publications are available from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation (https: www.nerc.com/).
22
Available at: https://www.gridfabric.io/plaid/.
54
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Annex B
(informative)
Flexibility services
B.1 Flexibility requirements
Power system flexibility describes the ability of a power system to cope with variability and uncertainty in
both generation and demand, Figure B.1, while maintaining a satisfactory level of reliability at a reasonable
cost, over different time horizons.
Figure B.1—Flexibility requirements and resources—distribution and transmission
The increased uncertainty is the result of the following developments:
— The wider deployment of distributed energy resources (DER) based on renewable energy resources,
mostly wind and solar power systems, which increases the uncertainty in the amount of generation,
which may be variable and intermittent, introduced into the power grid, both at the distribution and
transmission levels.
— While the uncertainty in conventional load has been reduced over the years by using better load
historical data and forecasting, the net load uncertainty has increased with the increased penetration of
DER at the distribution level, combined with the wider deployment of load management and demand
response (DR) schemes, and the deployment of battery energy storage systems (ES).
This uncertainty has increased the need for flexibility resources in the operation of the power system. These
resources impact all elements of the power system, including the grid hardware (distribution and transmission
lines and other equipment required to transmit and distribute power), distribution and transmission system
operation (dispatching power), and electricity markets. Additional flexibility services can be secured through
electricity markets.
55
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
B.2 Flexibility resources—types and features

Flexibility resources are provided in conventional power systems by central power plants and interconnections
between areas, which allow balancing load and generation, see Figure B.1. In power grids integrating DER
and DR, the increased flexibility needs, although resulting from the deployment of DER and DR, can also be
met by the control and management of these resources. Distributed energy resources management systems
(DERMS) can aggregate these resources and enable grid services to both the distribution and transmission
systems, as indicted in Figure B.1 (FERC [B20]; IRENA [B19]).
Some of the newer flexibility resources available at the distribution level are shown in Figure B.2, including
electric vehicles (EV). These can also be made available through aggregation using a DERMS to provide grid
services.
Figure B.2—DER and DR flexibility resources—distribution level—examples
B.3 Grid services

The grid services enabled by a DERMS aggregating DER can be categorized in several ways, depending on the
needs and market structure and requirements of distribution and transmission grids, including the following:
a) Categorization by the nature of the electrical service offered, with the possibility of separating capacity
and energy products, and contracting period:
1) Active power (P), in the form of energy and power
2) Reactive power (Q)
56
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
b) Categorization by the nature of the service enabled

1) System services
i) Related to power (P): (a) primary frequency support and regulation (fast response, from ms
to s); (b) secondary frequency regulation (automatic generating control [AGC] operating
region, 5 min to 15 min); tertiary frequency regulation, if required
ii) Related to reactive power (Q): (a) voltage support and regulation; (b) black start or voltage
support following a blackout and during system restoration
2) Dynamic system services
i) Power ramping, ramp duration
ii) Other services—inertial response, stabilization
3) Other market services
i) Balancing generation and load (transmission): (a) upward and downward balancing
products; (b) balancing capacity products: frequency containment reserve, frequency
restoration reserve, replacement reserve, balancing across wider areas
ii) Congestion management, distribution (local electricity market), transmission corridors
B.4 Structure and features of inverter-based resources (IBR)

Most of the distributed generators (DG) and several controllable loads implementing demand response (DR),
are interfaced with the ac grid using power electronic converters, known as inverters. These inverters convert
a dc bus voltage into an ac voltage of a magnitude and frequency matching those of the ac grid, Figure B.3.
The inverter ac output voltage must be synchronized with the ac grid voltage in order to allow power exchange
between the inverter and the grid. Power from and to the energy resources and loads is converted to dc power,
with the dc bus voltage usually regulated from the ac side.
The more common devices, the DER as defined in the guide, and providing flexibility resources, Figure B.2,
that interface with the ac grid, are shown in Figure B.3 and include:
— Wind turbine generator: Wind power is converted to ac power by means of a rotating generator, then
to dc power (Type 4); the generator controller maintains the turbine speed so as to achieve maximum
power (via Maximum Power Point Tracking [MPPT] controller); in Type 3 wind turbine generators,
only a portion of the wind power is converted to dc power, the balance is fed directly into the grid by
the generator.
— Solar photovoltaic (PV) system: Solar power is converted to constant dc voltage; the solar dc/dc
converter controller maintains the PV cell voltage so as to achieve maximum power (via MPPT ).
— Battery and flywheel energy storage systems: In the case of a battery system, power is usually converted
to a constant dc voltage; the battery dc/dc converter controller sets the battery current to achieve the
desired power transfer from and to the battery.
— Adjustable speed drive: It is used in a number of industrial and commercial applications—adjusting
the speed of the motor drive, such as in heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) allows
optimization of the processes and provide a DR service.
The key element in the interface between the distributed generator (DG) and the grid is the inverter. The main
features of the IBR, defined by the inverters shown in Figure B.3, include, with reference to Figure B.4:
57
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
Figure B.3—IBR—distributed generation (DG) and demand response (DR)
Figure B.4—Interface inverter P-Q capabilities
58
IEEE Std 2030.11-2021
— Control of active power (P) and reactive power (Q): The control of the two quantities is independent,
within the limits of the kVA rating of the inverter; priority is usually given to the production of energy
(P), which has a market value independent of location, assuming that the connection of the DG to the
grid is not congested; the value of Q is locational and the production of Q is usually in support of the
production of P or in support of the voltage in the grid.
— Quadrants of operation: Most DG, including those powered by renewable resources (wind, solar),
can only generate power into the grid; however, reactive power can be capacitive or inductive, which
results in operation in Quadrants I and II of the P-Q plane; the exceptions are energy storage systems
that can operate in all four quadrants.
— Limits on the DG production of P: Wind and solar generators produce variable and intermittent power,
and usually operate using maximum power point tracking (MPPT ); there is no energy storage capacity
unless battery storage is installed on the dc bus; there is short-term power available in the rotating
masses of wind turbine generators; in the case of batteries, there may be differences in the charging
and discharging current values, and limitations on the charging and discharging rates and the allowed
frequency of charging and discharging cycles.
— Limits on the DG production of Q: These limits are dictated by the kVA rating of the inverter, the amount
of P produced/absorbed, and the inverter design (dc bus voltage magnitude, ac link transformer/reactor
value).
— Short-term current rating of the DG: This limit is dictated by the inverter design, the power device
current rating and the inverter cooling capability.
B.5 Advantages of IBR in grid service provision

Compared to conventional generators based on rotating machines (synchronous, or in some cases induction
machines), IBR offer faster P response, as there is no governor to control, and faster Q response, as there is
no field excitation current to control. These faster dynamic characteristics can be exploited in the provision
of grid services. Examples of current system services for the ancillary service markets that can be served by
individual DER, or DERMS aggregated DER, are described as follows:
a) Related to P—fast ramping features, fast response frequency reserve, fast inertial response, using wind
turbine generators and battery energy storage systems [BESS]; fast frequency response/regulation,
using BESS; flexible ramping (ramp up/down), using aggregated DER
b) Related to Q and voltage regulation, primary and secondary—fast reactive power response for voltage
support, using solar PV systems and BESS; blackstart voltage support capabilies, using BESS
59
RAISING THE
WORLD’S
STANDARDS
Connect with us on:
Twitter: twitter.com/ieeesa
Facebook: facebook.com/ieeesa
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/groups/1791118
Beyond Standards blog: beyondstandards.ieee.org
YouTube: youtube.com/ieeesa
standards.ieee.org
Phone: +1 732 981 0060

EEE Guide For Distributed Energy

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

EEE Guide For Distributed Energy

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

IEEE Guide for Distributed Energy

IEEE Power and Energy Society

IEEE Std 2030.11™-2021

IEEE Guide for Distributed Energy

Transmission and Distribution Committee

Approved 29 April 2021

IEEE SA Standards Board

Keywords: advanced distribution management system, aggregation, ancillary services, demand

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

Copyright © 2021 by The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc.

PDF: ISBN 978-1-5044-7593-8 STD24716

IEEE prohibits discrimination, harassment, and bullying.

Notice and Disclaimer of Liability Concerning the Use of IEEE Standards

Comments on standards should be submitted using the Contact Us form.

Laws and regulations

Updating of IEEE Standards documents

Geza Joos, Chair

Chad Abbey Andrew Ingram Ajit Renjit

Chad Abbey Brian Johnson James Reilly

Gary Hoffman, Chair

Edward A. Addy Howard Li Mehmet Ulema

7. Specific DERMS implementation and interoperability considerations����������������������������������������������������� 37

1.3 Word usage

The guide does not address the following issues:

2. Normative references

3. Definitions, acronyms, and abbreviations

3.2 Acronyms and abbreviations

ADMS advanced distribution management system

4. Background and context

Individual distribution-connected DER typically meet the requirements of IEEE Std 1547™-2018.

4.2 DERMS concept and application

Several types of DERMS may exist:

4.3 DERMS expectations

5. DERMS functions

5.2 DERMS general functionality

5.3 Typically specified DERMS base functionalities

Figure 1—Examples DERMS functions and their relationships

Table 1—Nameplate information (adapted from IEEE Std 1547-2018, Table 28)

Table 1—Nameplate information (adapted from IEEE Std 1547-2018, Table 28) (continued)

e) Device settings and interconnection rating

Table 2—Device settings and interconnection rating

Configuration settings are intended to be used as a configuration option as nameplate alternatives.

Figure 2—Base DER and DR grouping

Figure 3—Group A: grouping for below the customer transformer

Figure 4—Group B: grouping of Group A between switches

5.3.3.2 Hierarchical grouping

5.3.3.3 Programmatic grouping

— A definition of the structure of the program.

5.3.3.4 Capacity grouping and related considerations

5.3.3.5 Resource grouping

5.3.3.6 Combination grouping

5.3.3.7 Other non-topological grouping

Another example of non-topological grouping would be grouping according to communications methods:

5.3.3.8 Dynamic grouping

The following items should be communicated:

— DER or DER aggregate identifier

— Real-time available capability (P and Q)

Similar data may also be required to be communicated to appropriate market operators.

Table 3—Typical electrical measurements for DER

Table 4—Supplementary information related to measurements

Table 5—Status information from DER

5.3.7 Typically specified real time operation functionality

5.3.7.2 Dispatch and scheduling

7. Specific DERMS implementation and interoperability considerations�� 37