Changing the DSO to reap the full benefits of smart grids

The purpose of this paper is to present the transformation process that is currently being implemented in EDP Distribuição (EDPD), the main Portuguese DSO, in order to reap the full benefits of the ongoing smart grids’ investments. With the emergence of distributed resources, DSOs are called to deploy smart grids technologies to cope with new challenges. In this context, EDPD is installing smart grids’ technologies such as network automation devices, data management systems and smart meters in large scale. However, a full realization of smart grids’ benefits goes far beyond the installation of technological devices and requires a far-reaching transformation of the entire organization involving business processes, organizational structure and systems. Aware of the gap that exists between deploying hardware/software and realizing benefits, EDPD launched in 2015 the move2future initiative to prepare a transformation throughout the organization and to be able to materialize all the potential of smart grids’ technologies to create business value. As a result, 59 different use cases, related to the new technologies under implementation, were identified in the project and they will be fully implemented until 2020. This paper will present the methodology to determine the use cases, assess the existing gaps and observe the insights reached so far.