Talk:Distribution Utility

Open questions

 * 1) To what extent can the DU reduce imports or exports through the Wholesale Market? Are imports and exports treated differently? What are the accounting implications? For example, if a broker agrees to buy 150 mWh in a timeslot and then does not use the full amount, does it pay the full bid amount, or a prorated amount?
 * 2) When asserting balancing controls, should the DU prefer to charge batteries over turning on other loads? Should it prefer to turn off loads before discharging batteries? Or is this preference different by customer, by tariff, or by battery type (vehicle batteries might be treated differently from other battery types).
 * 3) Is it possible that cross-broker balancing could end up being more expensive than using the DU's own resources? There is no particular reason why not. In that case, does the DU prefer to use its own resources?
 * 4) What happens to excess cash generated by the DU through its balancing activities?
 * 5) How is active balancing achieved when the entire distribution grid is in surplus? Can the DU export power to the ISO?

Does the DU automatically exercise Contracts for Differences?
These are hedges between brokers that allow them to balance each other without penalty.

Loss of load response?
What, exactly, happens when a storm comes along and blacks out part of the region? Brokers are left with too much power imported. Is there a hedge instrument for this?