Distributed generation
Distributed Generation is defined as any small-scale power generation technology that provides electric power at a site closer to customers than central station generation. These decentralized energy technologies offer significant advantages over conventional grid electricity sources. One important advantage is distributed generation can reduce or eliminate the need to build new transmission and distribution lines or upgrade existing ones. Additionally, distributed power is well suited for the use of some renewable energy technologies; which can be located nearer to the user and can be installed incrementally to match the load requirement of the consumer.
The economics of many renewable energy technologies such as wind or solar are dependent upon location. For instance, wind energy requires a minimum wind resource, and solar power operates most efficiently in areas where sunlight is abundant. Distributed generation provides a multitude of services to utilities and consumers, including stand-by generation, peak shaving capability, base load generation or cogeneration. It is expected that distributed generation will provide economic and environmental benefits in the future given the continued technological and technical advances.
Links
General information about distributed generation (DG)
Net Metering regulations in Virginia
Distributed Power Coalition of America (DPCA) Summary of DG technologies and benefits to utilities
DEQ Combined Heat & Power/Distributed Energy Resources Pages
Virginia Dominion Power's generator interconnection process
The Environmental Protection Agency's Combined Heat and Power Partnership
Department of Energy's Distributed Energy Program