Abstract for: Exploring the impact of residential PV systems on electricity utilities and customers

The development of distributed generation (DG) from rooftop PVs is changing the energy paradigm for utilities and regulators. These are matters of major concern to policy makers as the adoption of this technology brings opportunities and challenges. Thus, new regulatory frameworks to integrate DG correctly should be developed. For some, DG development should be complemented with design changes to distribution tariffs, the addition of connection charge and modifications to Net Metering, while for others some of these measures could depress DG investments. However, the long-term effects of distributed solar generation are subject to uncertainty. To deal with this, the authors propose a System Dynamics (SD) model. Findings suggest that for the Colombian case, it is possible to attain a balance between social welfare and the aversion of the utility death spiral through systemic interventions.