Defining and measuring active distribution system operators for the electricity and natural gas sectors

Abstract

There is a growing consensus that the distribution system operator (DSO) role is changing, given the implications of net zero. The transition process requires additional roles for the DSO in facilitating the new technologies and business models that will contribute to decarbonization. Although discussions on the active DSO abound, a working definition is still missing. This paper proposes a working definition and a methodology for measuring the extent to which a DSO is active. The methodology will be applied to electricity and natural gas DSOs in the UK, and the challenges will be presented and analyzed