  Distribution grids across the world are undergoing profound changes due to
advances in energy technologies. Electrification of the transportation sector
and the integration of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), such as
photo-voltaic panels and energy storage devices, have gained substantial
momentum, especially at the grid edge. Transformation in the technological
aspects of the grid could directly conflict with existing distribution utility
retail tariff structures. We propose a smart meter data-driven rate model to
recover distribution network-related charges, where the implementation of these
grid-edge technologies is aligned with the interest of the various stakeholders
in the electricity ecosystem. The model envisions a shift from charging
end-users based on their KWh volumetric consumption, towards charging them a
"grid access fee" that approximates the impact of end-users' time-varying
demand on their local distribution network. The proposed rate incorporates two
cost metrics affecting distribution utilities (DUs), namely 'magnitude' and
'variability' of customer demand. The proposed rate can be applied to prosumers
and conventional consumers without DERs.
