Distributed Generation gives consumers the opportunity to choose their supplier of energy. In the current landscape of centralized energy supply, homes and apartments are mostly forced into purchasing electricity from a large utility company. Their power plant is likely located very far away, traveling miles and miles through power lines.  With decentralization being incorporated into communities, more choices of energy become available like renewable energy sources.

This new opportunity for renewable companies gives them a greater chance to take over a piece of the energy market. Businesses like solar and wind companies can offer consumers clean energy at close distances or even directly on their property. SmartGrid companies also have a great opportunity for growth in a situation where energy management and reading is at an all time importance. Automated control gives already conscious consumers a greater ability to track their energy use. Pinpointing where and when they use energy gives SmartGrid companies a market advantage for citizens concerned with their personal energy use and where they get it from.

For me personally, distributed generation gives a good opportunity to evaluate the benefits compared to larger utilities generating and supplying power. Developing a business that is able to analyze and site the true impacts of decentralized energy on the economy, renewable companies, utility companies, and residents is crucial. There will need to be accurate evaluations with the increase in distributed generation to justify a greater change in the system. If microgrids and closely located.power plants and renewable energy generation to communities are to be widely adopted, companies responsible for measuring market effects will be needed.  Governments and society will only be willing to support this change with accurate analysis.

Source:

Driesen, Johan. “05/02120 Distributed Generation: Definition, Benefits and Issues.” Fuel           and Energy Abstracts 46.5 (2005): 312. ESAT. Web.