Energetics performed an economic analysis of distributed energy from the perspective of a local utility and its customers. Detroit Edison provided actual feeder line data from a line in Ann Arbor, Michigan; our analysts developed the methodology, data, and assumptions. The results showed potential for both the utility and many of the customers to make money by installing distributed energy. The utility could defer the need to construct new electric distribution facilities. The customers could reduce their energy bills. The analysis also showed substantial economic gains from improving business rules to reduce siting and permitting costs and by developing more energy efficient, reliable, and affordable distributed energy systems.

Using data from an actual feeder line in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Energetics found that installing distributed energy technologies would benefit utilities as well as their customers.