The nation is experiencing blackouts, reduced power reliability and skyrocketing costs for consumers. CECA believes that distributed energy, defined as electric power generation that is located on or near the energy consumer’s site, when properly integrated with an improved national electric power system, incorporated into the economic structure, and accommodated by appropriate regulatory and administrative regimes, has the potential to benefit consumers significantly.  In particular, it can lead to lower cost electricity and higher net energy efficiency, enhanced end-user energy source and design choices, improved overall system reliability, enhanced environmental quality, and cost-effective peak load accommodation strategies, among other benefits. 

As an organization dedicated to identifying and promoting policy initiatives that benefit consumers, CECA convened the Distributed Energy Domestic Policy Forum as a meeting place for diverse views of state and federal government, industry, utilities, non-governmental organizations, consumers, and environmentalists. The Forum has brought together the most diverse and highest level group ever to address the role of distributed energy in meeting the nation's energy needs

The goal was a thorough discussion of the many technological, regulatory and business issues that must be addressed to effect the major change implied by large-scale deployment of distributed energy resources. The outcome of those discussions is the final report report, "Distributed Energy: Towards a 21st Century Infrastructure." It examines the different types of distributed energy technologies, discusses the characteristics and economics of DE as well as the regulatory and legal issues, and provides an action plan, including findings and recommendations.

The findings of the report indicate that distributed energy is a feasible solution that can provide immediate and long-term relief to our nation's energy crisis. Because energy is generated closer to the customer than that produced by large power plants, transmission problems are reduced. This lessens the possibility of power outages and blackouts. As a solution, distributed energy can enhance the reliability, affordability, quality and environmental benefits of the nation's electricity supply. There are significant barriers to the deployment of distributed energy, however. This report makes key public policy recommendations that will minimize the problems and lead towards the full benefits of distributed power.