Distributed Energy Resource Management Systems (DERMS)
Distributed energy assets only create value when they are intelligently coordinated. Smart Grid Charge delivers DERMS-enabled infrastructure that monitors, controls, and optimizes EV charging, battery storage, on-site generation, and flexible loads ensuring assets operate reliably, compliantly, and economically within real-world grid environments.
AI-Driven Smart Grid Solutions for a More Reliable, Affordable, and Decarbonized Energy Future
What Is a DERMS?
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A Distributed Energy Resource Management System (DERMS) is the digital control layer that enables utilities, aggregators, and asset owners to monitor, coordinate, and dispatch distributed energy resources (DERs) in real time.
DERMS transforms individual assets—such as EV chargers, battery systems, and solar arrays—into grid-responsive portfolios capable of participating in demand response, grid services, and Virtual Power Plants while respecting site-level operational constraints.
Smart Grid Charge deploys DERMS as infrastructure operations, not just software—ensuring controls are aligned with physical assets, utility requirements, and long-term performance goals.
Who DERMS Is Ideal For
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Commercial Property Owners • Fleet Operators • Municipalities • Utilities & Energy Providers • Virtual Power Plant Operators • Real Estate Developers • Campuses & Mixed-Use Properties • Distributed Energy Portfolios
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What DERMS Does (And Why It Matters)
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Without DERMS, distributed assets operate independently and inefficiently. With DERMS, assets act as a coordinated system.
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Core DERMS Functions
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Real-Time Monitoring: DER status, availability, and performance across portfolios
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Centralized Control: Dispatch across multiple asset types and locations
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Optimization: Based on grid signals, pricing, and site constraints
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Secure Integration: Data exchange with utilities, ISOs, and aggregators
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Measurement & Verification: Reporting for program participation and settlement
DERMS is the foundation that enables VPPs, smart charging, and grid services to operate at scale.
What We Do — And What We Don't
What We Do
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Deploy DERMS as operational infrastructure integrated with physical assets
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Implement open standards (OCPP 2.0.1, IEEE 2030.5, OpenADR) for interoperability
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Engineer constraint management to protect site operations and asset warranties
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Design for utility and ISO compliance from day one
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Provide ongoing monitoring, optimization, and expansion support
What We Don't Do
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Offer "software-only" solutions without physical integration and controls
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Deploy systems without cybersecurity protocols and access governance
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Promise grid program participation without validating technical eligibility
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Override site-level operational requirements for dispatch convenience
Assets Managed Through DERMS
Smart Grid Charge enables DERMS orchestration across heterogeneous asset portfolios:
EV Charging Infrastructure
Manage charging schedules, modulate load, and coordinate fleets or public charging networks using standards-based protocols.
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Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS)
Control charge/discharge behavior, enforce state-of-charge constraints, and optimize dispatch for grid events and peak management.
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On-Site Generation
Coordinate solar or other generation with storage and load to improve flexibility and reduce curtailment.
Flexible Commercial Loads
Incorporate HVAC, refrigeration, and process loads where controllable to enhance grid responsiveness.
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DERMS + Virtual Power Plants
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DERMS is the control backbone of any Virtual Power Plant. It enables:
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Aggregation of geographically distributed assets
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Event-based dispatch aligned with program rules
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Asset-level constraint management to protect operations
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Portfolio-wide optimization across EV, BESS, and generation
Smart Grid Charge designs DERMS architectures that support VPP participation without compromising uptime, safety, or warranties.
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DERMS + EV Charging Optimization
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DERMS enables advanced EV charging strategies that go beyond basic load balancing:
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Coordinated charging across fleets and sites
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Alignment with utility tariffs and grid conditions
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Integration with battery storage for peak buffering
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Readiness for V1G (smart charging) and V2G workflows
This level of control is essential for scaling EV infrastructure without overbuilding electrical capacity.
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DERMS + Battery Storage Optimization
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For battery storage, DERMS provides:
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Dispatch logic aligned with grid events and site priorities
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Enforcement of battery health and warranty constraints
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Coordination with EV charging and generation
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Long-term performance tracking and optimization
DERMS ensures batteries deliver value over their full lifecycle, not just during isolated events.
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Technical Capabilities & Standards
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Smart Grid Charge implements DERMS using open, utility-aligned standards:
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OCPP 2.0.1 for EV charging control and telemetry
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IEEE 2030.5 / OpenADR for grid communications where applicable
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Modbus, BACnet for building and storage integration
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Secure cloud and edge-based control architectures
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Role-based access and cybersecurity best practices
Our approach prioritizes interoperability, scalability, and compliance.
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DERMS Readiness Requirements
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Effective DERMS deployment requires more than software:
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Metering Infrastructure: Interval or settlement-grade data access
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Real-Time Telemetry: Asset status, availability, and performance data
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Operational Constraints: Defined limits for EV readiness, comfort bands, SoC limits
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Secure Communications: Encrypted pathways and authentication protocols
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Governance Framework: Clear authority for dispatch, overrides, and emergency procedures
Smart Grid Charge evaluates and designs for these requirements upfront.
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Measurement, Verification & Settlement (M&V)
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Reliable M&V is critical for DERMS credibility and program participation:
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Baseline Methodology: Alignment with utility or ISO calculation standards
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Telemetry Validation: Redundant data pathways ensuring settlement-grade accuracy
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Performance Reporting: Automated documentation for event verification
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Audit Trail: Complete logging of dispatch decisions and constraint compliance
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Settlement Support: Invoice validation and performance reconciliation
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Our DERMS Enablement Services
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1) Portfolio Assessment & Architecture Design
Asset inventory and technical readiness review • Control architecture and data flow design • Integration planning across EV, BESS, solar, and loads
2) System Integration & Controls Deployment
Communications and protocol integration • Dispatch logic configuration • Constraint enforcement and fail-safe design
3) Program & Grid Alignment
Alignment with utility and ISO requirements • Support for demand response and grid services readiness • Measurement and reporting framework setup
4) Monitoring, Operations & Optimization
Continuous monitoring and event response • Performance analysis and tuning • Expansion planning as portfolios grow
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Why Smart Grid Charge for DERMS
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Smart Grid Charge approaches DERMS as operational infrastructure, not abstract software.
Our Differentiation:
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Deep integration with physical energy assets (not just software dashboards)
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Grid-first engineering aligned with utility realities and standards
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Experience coordinating EV, BESS, and generation as unified portfolios
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Focus on long-term reliability, compliance, and asset protection
We build DERMS systems that work in the field—not just in demonstrations.
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Regional Coverage
We support DERMS deployment and enablement across: NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, CA, TX, FL, CO, and GA. Program availability and technical requirements vary by utility territory; eligibility and architecture are confirmed during assessment.
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FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About DERMS
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Is DERMS only for utilities?
No. While DERMS originated in utility environments, it is now widely used by commercial asset owners, fleet operators, municipalities, and Virtual Power Plant (VPP) operators managing distributed energy portfolios across multiple sites.
Do I need DERMS to operate EV charging or battery storage?
Basic operation does not require DERMS. However, DERMS is essential for coordinating assets at scale, optimizing performance, reducing operating costs, and enabling participation in grid programs, demand response, and Virtual Power Plants.
Will DERMS disrupt my site operations?
No. DERMS operates within predefined operational constraints and always prioritizes site-level requirements such as vehicle readiness, occupant comfort, and critical load protection. Dispatch logic is designed to enhance not interfere with core operations.
Can DERMS support future grid programs and market changes?
Yes. DERMS provides the control, telemetry, and flexibility required to adapt to evolving utility programs, ISO/RTO market rules, and emerging grid services, ensuring your infrastructure remains future-rea
Ready to Orchestrate Distributed Energy at Scale?
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Smart Grid Charge helps asset owners and operators deploy DERMS-enabled infrastructure that intelligently coordinates EV charging, battery storage, and on-site generation into grid-ready, resilient, and future-proof energy systems.
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Serving commercial, municipal, and energy partners across NY, NJ, PA, CT, MA, CA, TX, FL, CO, and GA.