New Verdantix Green Quadrant Report Finds Utilities Exploring DERMS Capabilities To Enhance Grid Reliability, Flexibility And Forecasting

London, UK. Utilities across the world are adopting distributed energy resource management systems (DERMS) to tackle the operational challenges of DER proliferation. With the growing adoption of smart meters, solar generation and widespread electrification, utilities require advanced solutions that deliver greater visibility and control over distributed assets. DERMS platforms are valuable tools for managing energy resources, balancing grid loads and preventing disrupted service. By integrating these systems, utilities can strengthen grid resilience, enhance reliability and ensure stable operations as their networks evolve.

As the DERMS market continues to mature, adoption remains uneven across regions and capabilities. Utilities are taking a phased, low-risk approach to implementation, prioritizing data-driven, compliant solutions that integrate with legacy grid management software. A modular deployment model is becoming the preferred strategy for utilities, allowing them to address immediate priorities and scale towards unified platforms. Vendors offering flexible, modular architectures have an edge, enabling utilities to scale capabilities and manage risk more effectively. At the same time, the targeted application of AI in forecasting and user interface optimization is a key differentiator. Regional variations in grid maturity and regulatory frameworks also shape market opportunities.

The inaugural Verdantix Green Quadrant: DERMS (2025) report provides distribution operators, grid planning teams, DER owners, programme managers and utility procurement decision-makers with comprehensive insights into 10 top DERMS vendors, helping them select the best-fit provider based on their needs. The report identifies Emerson’s Aspen Technology, GE Vernova, OATI and Schneider Electric as Leaders, as they demonstrate the most advanced and comprehensive DERMS capabilities. Key report findings show that:

• The DERMS market is dominated by modular platforms, as utilities increasingly favour flexible solutions that integrate with legacy systems and address specific operational needs over ‘all-in’ offerings. Firms such as GE Vernova provide modular, end-to-end utility platforms, enabling buyers to begin deployments with capabilities aligned to their immediate priorities, such as visibility, asset enrolment or forecasting, before adding additional modules.

   

• In today’s evolving DERMS market, solutions must integrate seamlessly with legacy systems such as ADMS and SCADA, either as a standalone DERMS – for example, emsys, Generac, mPrest, OATI and Smarter Grid Solutions – or as part of a full utility grid stack, such as Emerson’s Aspen Technology, GE Vernova, Minsait ACS, Oracle and Schneider Electric. Success relies on clean integration and clear role and performance expectations across IT and OT teams.

   

• Utilities are seeking DERMS that integrate distributed resources, provide real-time visibility and maintain safe grid operations. However, many remain pragmatic in their adoption, prioritizing proven approaches that minimize operational risk. For example, Schneider Electric supports a planning-first approach through mature, network-aware optimization tools, allowing utilities to trial model strategies, validate settings and assess impacts before promoting them to live control.

   

• While utilities remain cautious about using AI to control the grid, they are increasingly relying on it for forecasting and user interfaces and are building more trust in automation, making AI adoption a key differentiator for vendors who can apply it. Emerson’s Aspen Technology offers strong DERMS and AI resources such as impact simulators to enhance grid forecasting, estimation and optimization.

   

• Regional market dynamics are creating opportunities for DERMS vendors, particularly for those with expertise in regional regulations and data management requirements. For example, OATI provides programme-centric DERMS with a large North American footprint, catering to North American programme-focused DER portfolios.

"As grids become more complex and DERs proliferate, utilities are turning to DERMS to maintain reliability, streamline onboarding and integrate new assets," said Hector Aguirre, Industry Analyst at Verdantix. “Utilities are seeking modular DERMS that can evolve into a unified DER orchestrator, coexisting with legacy systems while providing auditable, standards-based control. Vendors offering visibility, forecasting, streamlined DER onboarding, programme enablement and selective AI are best positioned to meet the growing demand of complex energy grids.”

To find out more, read the full report.