Encompassing many different technologies that generate, store, and distribute energy in locations close to the end user, distributed generation (DG) is one of the most transformational developments in restructuring the electric power grid. Written by attorneys representing a variety of professional backgrounds, this book is a much-needed overview covering the key regulation and commercial issues involved while also providing information that bridges the evolving aspects of both DG technology and the law.

Distributed generation technology is rapidly developing and being deployed around the world. To help practitioners address the myriad of issues involved with DG, the authors introduce, in non-technical terms, the basic concepts and technologies most frequently used in DG installations in the United States.

Topics covered include:

• Fundamental electricity laws, including the Federal Power Act (FPA) and the PURPA, as well as the role of FERC and relevant FERC orders related to the development of regional transmission organizations and independent system operators
• The state's role in the development of law and policy applicable to distributed generation, including the state role within the FPA and PURPA, as well as state-specific summaries
• Distributed generation economics, including valuation and pricing
• Siting, permitting, and environmental issues
• Challenges and tools associated with financing the costs of the widespread DG deployment, from soft costs associated with customer acquisition, permitting, inspection, interconnection to the electric grid, installation, taxation and system financing to design, construction, engineering, and operating costs
• The state and federal legal frameworks that address the privacy and cybersecurity concerns that accompany distributed energy resources and their data
• Energy storage, from the commercial aspects of storage transactions to the types of policies used to encourage cost-effective energy storage
• The regulatory environment for EV charging stations
• Climate change-related policies influencing the development of distributed energy resources
• How the U.S. military, the world's largest energy consume, integrates DG systems into its operational and installation energy portfolio