Unlocking the full value of distributed energy resources

As utilities, virtual power plant (VPP) providers, and energy asset owners seek to modernize energy systems, distributed energy resources (DERs) are playing a critical role in building a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable energy ecosystem. However, unlocking the full value of DERs requires far more than simply deploying solar panels, batteries, and EV chargers. It demands seamless, secure connectivity across fragmented ecosystems and the ability to leverage trusted, real-time data for AI-driven optimization.

In this blog, we’ll explore the key barriers holding back DER programs today—and how Intertrust Connect provides the foundation for a smarter, more flexible energy future.

The rise of distributed energy—and the barriers holding it back

As the grid edge expands with solar rooftops, EV charging stations, battery systems, and smart appliances, flexibility programs and energy markets increasingly rely on distributed assets to balance supply and demand. Despite this rapid growth, less than 20% of available DER capacity is actively participating in VPP programs and flexibility services today. Why? Because scaling and orchestrating DER resources isn’t simple—and legacy approaches are often fragmented, costly, and insecure.

Integration complexity drives up costs

Each OEM device comes with its own communication protocols, APIs, and security requirements. Utilities and VPP providers often resort to custom, one-off integrations for each new asset type—driving up engineering costs and slowing deployment. For many, the only alternative has been to rely on third-party aggregators, who not only charge significant fees but also act as gatekeepers, limiting direct access to device-level data.

Limited data access and real-time control

For flexibility programs and grid optimization strategies to work, operators need real-time, device-level visibility into how DERs are performing. Unfortunately, many platforms only provide aggregated, delayed data snapshots, restricting operators’ ability to react to grid conditions in real time or participate in dynamic energy markets.

Security risks expand with every new connection

As DER fleets grow, so does the attack surface for utilities and operators. Each new device, protocol, and communication path represents a potential vulnerability. Traditional VPN-based architectures were never designed for the dynamic, distributed nature of DER ecosystems, leaving gaps in coverage and making it difficult to enforce consistent device identity management and data governance.

Secure, AI-ready DER connectivity with Intertrust Connect

To unlock the full value of DERs, operators need more than just connectivity—they need secure, real-time, AI-ready connectivity that spans across device types and DER OEM ecosystems. That’s exactly what Intertrust Connect delivers.

Seamless and cost-effective DER integration

Intertrust Connect provides a single, secure integration layer for connecting DERs across most major OEMs, including solar, battery storage, EV chargers, and more. By eliminating the need for custom, one-off integrations and replacing expensive third-party aggregators, the platform reduces integration costs while giving operators direct ownership and control of all DER connections.

Real-time visibility and optimization

Unlike platforms that aggregate and filter device data, Intertrust Connect provides direct, real-time telemetry from individual DER assets. VPP providers gain granular visibility into each asset’s performance, availability, and health, enabling them to react faster to grid imbalances, participate in flexibility markets with confidence, and improve overall program performance.

Built-in security and data integrity

With over two decades of leadership in device identity management and secure data exchange, Intertrust Connect leverages a zero-trust security architecture tailored for modern energy systems. Every device connection is authenticated, encrypted, and governed with full visibility into who is accessing data and why. This ensures that both operational platforms and AI optimization engines receive trusted, high-quality data—free from manipulation.

Scale your DER program with Intertrust Connect

As DER programs expand, utilities, VPP providers, and energy asset owners need a connectivity solution that keeps pace with their ambitions—without driving up operational costs, introducing security risks, or creating vendor lock-in. Intertrust Connect enables direct, real-time connectivity across major DER OEMs while lowering DER integration costs. By enabling full ownership and control of every connection point and based on zero-trust security and data governance, it offers a trusted, scalable foundation for AI-driven energy optimization.

Want to dive deeper into how Intertrust Connect works and see how it compares to traditional approaches?  Download our solution brief to learn more!