an emerging business model that expands on the traditional role of Electric Distribution Companies (EDCs) – delivering power from transmission networks to retail customers – to actively managing more complex two-way power flows to and from retail customers.
Pros
Enables customers to be both producers and consumers (i.e. prosumers) by facilitating an open and accessible market between retail customers and transmission system operators. Optimizes use of DER on distribution networks to deliver security, sustainability and affordability in support of whole system optimization.
Cons
DSOs can have different roles depending on the part of the country you are talking about.
Real Talk
If you are talking about a specific DSO, it’s important to understand if they are regulated or de-regulated.