This paper discusses design philosophies and technology needs for the power management and distribution (PMAD) portion of a lunar base power system.A process is described whereby mission planners may proceed from a knowledge of the PMAD functions and mission performance requirements to a definition of design options and technology needs. Current research efforts at the NASA Lewis Research Center to meet the PMAD system needs for a lunar base are described.Based on the requirements, the lunar base PMAD is seen as best being accomplished by a utility like system, although with some additional demands including autonomous operation and scheduling and accurate, predictive modeling during the design process.