September 21, 2012

Hot Report: Microgrids

OLR Report 2012-R-0417 describes what steps Connecticut, New York, and California have taken to develop microgrids. A microgrid is a small-scale electric distribution network that (1) links several users to one or more nearby distributed (on-site) energy resources and (2) can be operated in conjunction with or independently from the larger electrical grid. When operating independently, a microgrid can continue to supply power to its users even if the larger grid suffers a power outage.
Recent state efforts include:
  1. Connecticut’s new pilot program that provides grants and loans to help develop microgrid infrastructure, which expects to issue an initial request for proposals (RFP) in October 2012 and begin awarding grants in February 2013;
  1. New York’s State Energy Research and Development Authority’s 2010 report on microgrids, which includes recommendations for addressing legal and regulatory issues, financing, and research and development; and
  1. the California state energy commission's Public Interest Energy Research (PIER) program, which has helped fund research and development for new microgrid control technology and provides demonstration grants for microgrid projects.
For more information, read the full report.