Policy Objectives ︎

We are the DER Task Force. But “We” doesn’t mean the people writing this. It’s you, the community that makes this possible. If you’re on this site, then you’re in the DER Task Force and have a part to play. So while you’re here, whether already a core member or just interested in learning more, we wanted to share why we need a Task Force on the front-lines fighting for distributed energy resources.The energy sector has entered a period of radical change. As we attempt to decarbonize our societies to address climate change, distributed energy resources present a tremendous opportunity to improve our energy system. We can build not just a cheaper and cleaner grid, but also a more resilient one, that enables electrification, and offers us more control over our energy usage. While there is no silver bullet, Distributed Energy Resources have a massive role to play in the energy transition and are the only approach that improves our system in all dimensions. This is a call to action to join a movement that is reaching an inflection point. The work of the Task Force dates as far back as the 70’s, when the original Energy Task Force installed NYC’s first distributed energy system. We are part of a lineage of builders who aim to make the energy we depend on more sustainable for all.That means that we are asking you — yes, YOU listener, reader, contributor wherever you are — to join the fight. We need you. We’re here to help in any way we can, to pass on knowledge, provide context, make connections, and offer feedback. But, this isn’t about us. The onus is on you: in whatever way you can dream up, drive this space forward. Go build. Go debate. Write new policy. Organize. Create new business models and technologies. And if you’re doing any of that, then you’re in the Task Force. We welcome you, as the work is just getting started.