Unlocking the Potential of Distributed Energy Resources
Wednesday, June 10 | 2–3 p.m. CT
A panel discussion followed by live Q&A
The pace of growth, driven by data centers, AI, and electrification, isn't slowing down, and interconnection queues are stretched to their limits. Utilities, regulators, and program designers are all asking: how can we unlock existing grid capacity before building new infrastructure?
The answer is already taking shape through distributed energy resources (DERs) like storage, vehicle to grid integration, and flexible combined heat and power. However, these technologies remain under-utilized and deploying them at scale takes smart program design, strong customer engagement, and the right policy frameworks.
Join us for the kickoff of our new DER webinar series, featuring a conversation with Jigar Shah, one of the energy sector's most recognized voices. Jigar will share his perspective on why on-site and behind-the-meter generation is no longer optional for meeting today's demand, how DER flexibility can deliver faster power, and why affordability depends on designing large loads to be grid assets, not grid burdens.
In this panel discussion, we’ll cover what’s ready to deploy today, what’s limiting scale, and what utilities and policymakers can do now. You'll hear:
- Why the grid can't solve the data center challenge alone and what DERs offer as a faster, more cost-effective path to power
- How flexibility in program design keeps energy affordable by preventing unmanaged load growth from driving up costs for utilities and customers alike
- The role of customer experience in driving DER adoption, including how aligning solutions with real customer needs increases participation and program success
- How the industrial sector can support grid demand, reliability, and flexibility by enabling self-generation that meets both facility and grid needs
Technical solutions exist. The gap is in program design, customer engagement, and policy alignment.
Meet the panel:
Jigar Shah
Co-Founder, Multiplier
Founder of SunEdison and former Director of the U.S. Department of Energy Loan Programs Office (2021–2025). Deployed $108 billion in clean energy financing and grew loan authority 10x. Named in the 2024 TIME100.
He argues that scaling distributed energy resources could lower electricity rates by 20% this decade. Jigar will challenge conventional thinking on data center load growth, making the case that Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) are how you get speed to power without breaking the rate base and that affordability follows speed when programs are designed right.
Wyeth Atchison
Senior Growth Director, CLEAResult
Leads market development for demand response, DERs, virtual power plants, and transportation electrification. Builds utility programs from customer research through full-scale deployment. Master of Science (MS) in Customer Experience Management, Michigan State. MBA, University of Missouri.
Wyeth will discuss why aligning DER solutions with customer needs and tolerance for change is the key to driving adoption and program participation at scale.
Bob Gemmer
SME, CLEAResult Energetics
30+ years at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and 45+ years in industrial energy. Former manager of DOE's Distributed Energy and CHP research portfolios. Holds PhD in Physical Organic Chemistry from Stanford University.
Bob will walk through how utilities can turn industrial self-generation into a dispatchable grid asset, and why the industrial sector's potential to support grid demand remains largely untapped.
Kiran Srivastava (moderator)
Business Development Director, CLEAResult
Senior climate and energy leader driving strategy, business development, and technology commercialization across the clean energy sector. Holds a Master's in Energy Policy and International Economics from Johns Hopkins University and has authored publications including work on the potential impact of flexible CHP on California's future electric grid.
Kiran brings nearly two decades of experience at the intersection of policy, technology, and implementation – giving her a practitioner's perspective on how DERs are being integrated into the grid at scale.