Turning Distributed Energy Assets into a National Grid Resource

This analysis by Faryal Qazi, Research Officer, IPS, examines how Pakistan can transform growing consumer-owned distributed energy resources into a national grid resource. The policy insight explores the increasing role of rooftop solar, battery storage, flexible demand, and electric vehicles in reshaping electricity flows and creating new sources of grid flexibility. It highlights the need for greater system visibility, consumer participation, appropriate market mechanisms, and a more active role for distribution companies. Importantly, the analysis emphasizes equity concerns and argues for an integrated flexibility framework that can make Pakistan’s power system more flexible, efficient, affordable, and resilient while ensuring that the benefits of the energy transition are broadly shared.