The growth of renewables, new uses of electricity and the advent of new electricity downstream represent challenges for the development and operation of power distribution grids in Europe. DSOs need the right framework to prepare for investments, innovation and roles in the future energy system, in order to maintain secure electricity supply for their customers. Industry and policymakers used this event to discuss the following critical issues:
- Distribution network investments: what regulatory framework do we need?
- The future energy system: roles, actions and responsibilities
- Bringing new technologies into the market: innovative distribution projects
This event offered a first glimpse of EURELECTRIC's DSO Investment Action Plan, a new report to be published in early 2014. EURELECTRIC also shared its thoughts on smart retail market evolution and future innovation policy.
Representatives of the power sector, investors, and regulators used the opportunity to come forward with their vision of DSOs in the future smart energy system.