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The electrification of rural or isolated areas coupled with increasing environmental concerns have promoted the emergence of Distributed Energy Resources (DER) and the operation by isolated microgrids. However, the integration of such resources involves technical issues related to the reliability and continuity of the electricity supply. Indeed, the uncertainty of renewable generation sources and the reduced inertia of isolated microgrids are challenges for the operation of these distribution systems. One way to address them is by providing ancillary services through all the resources involved in the system’s operation (generation assets, demand share, and storage systems). Accordingly, this paper first presents a literature review of the challenges and potential benefits of integrating DERs into the operation of a distribution system. It also includes some common strategies to mitigate the vulnerability of the introduction of these technologies in microgrids. Afterwards, the current state of each type of resource in Colombia is assessed. Finally, some basic strategies that enhance the benefits of DER integration are outlined along with the overcoming of challenges of microgrid operation in said country. To that end, we consider isolated Colombian regions to be natural laboratories where the effects of DER integration and the requirements for the operation by local production units can be analyzed.

Nowadays most distributed generators are not designed to operate under islanded conditions. The ancillary service of islanded operation capability is proposed as a technical support service with the ability to increase the reliability, security and flexibility of an electrical distribution system. Nevertheless, island operation entails technical, economic and social issues that must be discussed and analyzed during the planning stage.This article compares an intentional island project to a preplanned island and describes the main issues and benefits of islanded operation. Additionally, the reliability of the service to implement the islanded operation capability as an ancillary service is economically assessed, which shows that island-based operation has the potential to minimize nonsupplied energy up to 50%. Also, a technical analysis of implementing island operation capability ancillary service is presented. Subsequently, an existing electrical distribution system with small hydropower plants is considered as a study case in order to identify the technical requirements set out for both, the distribution system and the generation source. Finally, taking into account the current Law and regulations, a proposal is outlined for the implementation of the island operation capability ancillary service in the Colombian electrical system. KeywordsDistributed Energy Resources, Distributed Generation, Microgrids, Islanded Operation Capability. ResumenHoy en día, la mayoría de los generadores distribuidos no están diseñados para operar bajo condiciones de isla. El servicio complementario de capacidad de operación por islas se presenta como un servicio de soporte técnico con la capacidad de aumentar la resiliencia, confiabilidad, seguridad y flexibilidad de un sistema eléctrico de distribución. Sin embargo, la operación por islas presenta unos desafíos técnicos, económicos y sociales que deben discutirse y analizarse durante la etapa de planificación.En este artículo, se presenta una comparación entre una operación intencional por islas y una isla planificada previamente, así como una descripción de los principales desafíos y beneficios de la operación por islas. Además, se realiza una evaluación económica de la confiabilidad del servicio de energía eléctrica al implementar la capacidad de operación por islas como un servicio complementario. Dicha evaluación muestra que la operación por islas tiene el potencial de minimizar la energía no suministrada hasta en un 50%. Además, se muestra un análisis técnico para la implementación del servicio complementario de capacidad de operación por islas. Luego, se estudia un sistema eléctrico de distribución existente con pequeñas centrales hidroeléctricas como un estudio de caso, con el fin de identificar los requisitos técnicos establecidos tanto para el sistema de distribución como para la fuente de generación. Finalmente, y teniendo en cuenta las normativas y regulaciones vigentes, se esboza una propuesta para la implementación del servicio complementario de capacidad de op...

the amount of subsidies, operating costs, fuel consumption, and CO 2 emissions. Simulations show that considerable reductions in the demand for electrical energy can be achieved with a temporary increase in subsidies to implement energy efficiency programs, generating a decrease in the use of diesel fuel and less CO 2 emissions. The measures also lead to improving network conditions and reducing operating costs in communities. This model can become a tool for government entities to evaluate new subsidies aimed at reducing operating costs in these areas.