The same goes for distribution systems – moving from a more passive role to the centre of the new energy world. Distribution system operators take up the challenge of introducing the lions share of decentralised generation, guaranteeing system stability, as well as facilitating new services  for the customer. They are the key players in the roll out of smart grids and smart meters, aggregation, demand response, energy efficiency, and smart charging. They require enhanced data management and a new quality of DSO-TSO relations, a discussion on roles and responsibilities, costs and investments. Regulators on national and European level  as well as stakeholders have to team up to develop smart regulation for smart grids, in order to respond to the new challenges.

In the event ‘The Future is distributed – a  DSO perspective’, CEDEC, EDSO for smart grids, EURELECTRIC and Geode – the four Brussels based associations representing DSOs – hand their recommendations over to the newly appointed Commissioner for Energy and Climate, Mr. Arias Canete.

Their high level representatives from the European DSO world present a compelling perspective on the meaning of the energy transition and the EU 2030 climate and energy targets for distribution. In this context they will respond to the questions of security of supply, investments, innovation, data management, and the required reform of regulation.