Wholesale Distributed Generation

What is Distributed Generation? 

"Distributed Generation" refers to generating power with many systems spread throughout a community and located close to energy demand.  Distributed Generation (DG) is a decentralized and resilient energy system, in contrast to Centralized Generation, which relies on a few large power plants located far from the communities that consume the energy.  A DG electrical system produces energy locally, near the consumers that use the energy.

  DG electrical systems are comprised of smaller generators (between 1 to 20 megawatt [MW] capacity systems) that are interconnected to the distribution grid.  To put the size of DG electrical systems into perspective, a 20 MW project can fit on a relatively small area, yet it can still deliver a considerable amount of power.  For example, 20 MW of solar photovoltaic (PV) power fits on about 100 acres and can meet the peak energy load of roughly 20,000 homes.

What is Wholesale Distributed Generation? 

Wholesale Distributed Generation (WDG) refers to DG systems that connect to the local distribution grid and sell the electricity they produce to the local utility.  The clean local energy produced by WDG is used to serve local energy demand.

What are the Benefits of Wholesale Distributed Generation? 

Promoting WDG through CLEAN Programs helps communities maximize the economic benefits of clean energy production, leverage private investment dollars to meet community goals, reduce electric bills for ratepayers, achieve national, state, or local climate & sustainability targets, and provide a safer and more resilient energy infrastructure.