As states and utilities grapple with increasing penetrations and continued growth of solar, storage and other distributed energy resources the fundamentals of grid access and interconnection of distributed energy resources are under revision. Implementing more proactive and integrated distribution planning (IDP) protocols and more sophisticated interconnection processes can maximize the benefits of distributed energy resources. In her presentation, Sky Stanfield takes an in-depth look at state ‘grid modernization' regulatory reforms underway and provides a national perspective on emerging best practices, extant barriers, and cutting-edge innovations.