AESP Academy - Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), DER Management Systems (DERMS), and How to Monet

When:  Jun 30, 2026 from 12:00 PM to 04:00 PM (ET)

DERs, DERMS and How to Monetize the Markets for Customer Programs 

Presented by Derek Kirchner, TRC Companies

Online, LIVE Instructor-Led Training Course


Date: June 30, 2025

Time: 12:00-4:00 PM ET

Instructor: Derek Kirchner, TRC Companies

Platform: Webex

Earnable CEUs: 0.4

Earnable PDHs: 4

Fee: $395 or 4 group points for members, $499 for non-members

Please note: Registration fees and membership points are charged per participant. Each individual attending must register separately. This is required for IACET compliance to ensure we can accurately track attendance, award CEUs, and provide course materials.

*To register with Group Member Points, email elearning@aesp.org

Course Description: As the utility industry and the distribution grid evolves from traditional central station power to a more distributed energy future, understanding the impact of DERs and DERMS on the wholesale markets, distribution grids, utility operations, and most importantly the end use consumers (or prosumers) will be key to successful utility programs.  This training class will discuss all aspects of DERs from the Federal Legislation impacting their access to Wholesale Markets (FERC Order 2222) and how we got here to the day to day financially viable and optimized operations of DERs on the system for both utilities and their customers through a DERMS implementation. 


Learning Objectives:

  • Explain FERC Orders creating and implementing Wholesale Market Operations in ISOs/RTOs and how those markets impact retail transactions and programs.
  • Explain what a DERMS is, decide whether you need one, and identify what it can do for you.
  • Summarize what a DER is through industry definitions, operational characteristics, and utility program examples.
  • Describe how to develop a business case for a DER regardless of the technology and understand the ability to “value stack” the operations for optimal performance.


*You’ll earn 0.4 CEUs for this course by attending the full session and passing the final quiz with a score of 70% or higher.

*We want everyone to feel welcome and supported. If you need any ADA accommodations, just let us know — we’re happy to help. Email us at elearning@aesp.org.

Cancellations received no later than 14 days prior to the training date will receive a refund, minus a 5% processing fee if paid with a credit card. Cancellations received after the cutoff date and no-shows will not receive a refund (cash or points). AESP reserves the right to cancel a training course at any time with reasonable notice given to all participants.

AESP is accredited by the International Association for Continuing Education and Training (IACET). AESP complies with the ANSI/IACET Standard, which is recognized internationally as a standard of excellence in instructional practices. As a result of this accreditation, AESP is authorized to issue the IACET CEU. AESP instructors disclose in advance that they have no interest in any product, service, or material discussed during the course. This information is stated orally and in the training course handbook.