I believe this is more about long lines than what is called last mile service.
There are issues to be overcome with breakers, AC goes to zero voltage to help break the arc when the circuit is interrupted, this does not happen with direct current.
HVDC requires static converters to change the voltage from the needed voltage on the long lines to the local distribution voltages.
At shorter distances the losses in the static converters may be greater than the loss in the AC transmission lines.
Currently a lack of standardization due to changing technology.
Converter technology may be the key. We need to tame the high voltage that is needed for the long line to a value that is practical for local distribution and consumer use. be the voltage AC or DC.
If we leave it as a DC voltage, we still need the converter to reduce it from the higher voltages needed for the transmissions line, long or local.
If the end user remains an AC voltage users we still need the converter, only the voltage is left as AC voltage after the conversion process.
Of course we need to get the DC voltage to these high levels.
In general, none of our current generation capacity produces the needed voltages, not to mention this capacity is AC voltage.
Current wind power generator technology is less than 1000 VAC, too low for long lines even if it was DC voltage.
If the power generated is used locally, the losses in the converters may be greater that than the losses in the transmission lines and power station transformers.
HVDC for transmission line voltages has been used for several decades, with converters on each end of the line.
It is suited for under sea and underground transmission due to the redution of the reactance that occurs with AC voltage.
