Distribution

Electrification and distributed energy resources are forcing distribution grids to manage unprecedented complexity while maintaining absolute operational reliability.

Distribution utilities, grid operators, and technology providers face surging power demand, variable two-way power flows, and aging physical infrastructure. ADI Analytics guides clients through grid modernization, technology evaluation, regulatory cost recovery, and commercial investment opportunities.

What keeps distribution leaders up at night

Accelerating electricity demand from data centers and electrification of transportation and heat is driving higher, more variable loads from substations to end users. Meanwhile, physical infrastructure including poles, wires, transformers, and substations suffers from age, compounding outage risks and degrading network resilience.

Integrating distributed energy resources, electric vehicles, and smart devices requires real-time flexibility that legacy systems cannot support. Deploying automated switching, advanced metering infrastructure, and integrated distribution management systems demands substantial capital, yet securing rate base approvals under traditional frameworks remains difficult.

Shifting regulatory mandates increasingly prioritize decarbonization and equity over simple cost-of-service models. Failing to align network modernization with emerging policy goals risks stranded assets, unrecovered capital investments, and severe reliability penalties.

Who we are

Distribution advisory, built on 15+ years and 1,000+ projects. Our work spans local distribution companies, grid technology vendors, and infrastructure investors evaluating distribution networks, distributed generation, and EV charging infrastructure.

What clients engage us to do

Model load growth and forecast distributed energy resources (DER) adoption

ADI develops granular scenario models for distribution grid evolution. Engagements deliver bottom-up adoption forecasts for electric vehicles, distributed energy resources, and smart devices alongside outage and reliability trend analysis to inform capital allocation.

Evaluate grid technologies and regulatory models

Work includes rigorous technical assessments of distribution sensors, control hardware, and integrated distribution management systems. We analyze regulatory trends and cost recovery models to align asset deployment with evolving state and federal decarbonization policies.

Conduct commercial due diligence and market benchmarking

We screen distribution-focused technology providers, solutions, and target acquisitions for investors and utilities. Services include competitive benchmarking, technology index scoring across efficiency and scalability, and detailed valuation modeling.

Formulate grid modernization and transition strategies

We build actionable roadmaps for integrated distribution management, distributed energy resource integration, and customer engagement. Strategic advisory helps clients mitigate operational risks related to grid resilience while navigating decentralized power markets.

Industry experience

Sustainability assessment for electric utilities

ADI assessed how sustainability priorities are influencing actual capital allocation across electric utilities, with a focus on transmission, distribution, and grid digitalization. The work drew on utility‑level benchmarks covering decarbonization targets, resilience investments, and governance structures, supplemented by interviews with sustainability and planning leaders. Emphasis was placed on distinguishing aspirational ESG commitments from areas driving […]

Distributed gas‑based generation assessment

ADI benchmarked distributed generation technologies using a structured index covering cost, efficiency, emissions, scalability, and regulatory fit. The framework was informed by interviews with utilities, regulators, and technology providers to reflect real‑world deployment constraints. Findings were used to rank options for grid support applications rather than treating distributed generation as a monolithic solution. The client […]

Building efficiency assessment methodology

ADI developed a vendor‑independent Building Efficiency Assessment Methodology (BEAM) to quantify energy savings, emissions reductions, and retrofit economics across existing building portfolios. The work combined inductive benchmarking from comparable buildings, scenario‑based modeling, and conversion‑rate analysis to move retrofit decisions upstream without costly on‑site audits. Emphasis was placed on translating engineering outputs into CFO‑relevant metrics such […]

Environmental performance of green building systems

ADI conducted parameterized life‑cycle assessments of major green building assessment systems using hybrid life‑cycle inventory methods and EPA TRACI impact categories. The analysis explicitly modeled construction materials, energy use, and system boundaries to compare LEED, ASHRAE, and IgCC pathways against a baseline commercial building. Sensitivity and uncertainty analyses were used to isolate which building features […]

EV and charging infrastructure market assessment

ADI evaluated the North American EV and charging infrastructure market using bottom‑up forecasts of vehicle stock, charger deployment, power demand, and capital investment through 2030. The analysis differentiated Level 1, Level 2, and DC fast charging economics, incorporating policy scenarios, utility participation models, and EPC cost structures. Particular attention was paid to fleet charging economics […]

Small-scale LNG market assessment

To assess market entry potential for modular energy systems, ADI evaluated the deployment of small-scale LNG (ssLNG) for industrial and transportation applications. The research addressed infrastructure constraints in off-grid regions and evaluated the levelized cost of electricity (LCOE) of modular gas systems against traditional diesel power. Competitive analysis included a review of modular technology providers […]

Client Results
It was a wonderful experience working with ADI.
Meredith Winczewski Strategic Marketing Manager, Honeywell – UOP

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