The energy transition is paced by the three intertwined trends of decentralization, digitization, and decarbonization. The Distribution of Power Project (Project) is concentrated on developing the applied understanding of these trends as the energy transition moves toward electrification. Electricity distribution networks are the current nexus of electrification.
In the U.S., electricity distribution networks are owned and managed by various entities, including nearly 3,000 Local Power Organizations (LPOs). LPOs encompass many municipal utilities, electricity cooperatives, community choice aggregators, and other organizations that provide electricity distribution to customers within a defined geographic area. Increasingly, LPOs are providing other services, including more cost-efficient generation.
Our research provides insights for and about the energy transition, stakeholder impacts, investment consequences, and system design. The Project takes an interdisciplinary approach to pursue its objectives of understanding and communicating how the energy transition is being implemented. We are interested in what is being done (and what can, should, and should not be done) to support acceleration of the energy transition for the benefit of everyone.
This site provides a means of organizing and sharing relevant research information and presentations from the Project. Please see the Select Recent Research page for research updates.
The Distribution of Power Project is currently hosted at the Program in Climate and Environmental Studies at Vanderbilt University. The Director of the Project is
Ryan Thomas Trahan, in collaboration with
As the Project progresses, updates and research information will be uploaded to this site from time to time. Please be in touch if you are a researcher interested in the Project. We will seek to co-host educational workshops and connection opportunities as the research progresses.
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Distribution of Power Project
162 Buttrick Hall Nashville, Tennessee 37240
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