Microgrids as a resiliency resource

Abstract

Severe weather events, and the associated customer outages, have shown that the nations electrical infrastructure is vulnerable to large scale natural events. Because of the regulated environment that utilities must operate in it is not feasible for utilities to build adequate traditional infrastructure to address these events; i.e. more transmission lines and more large central generators. Microgrid technologies have the potential to address some of the challenges associated with improving the resiliency of the nations electrical infrastructure. Microgrids are not a new concept but advances in device capabilities, computing capabilities, and communications are making them a more attractive option. This panel discussion will cover the concept of using microgrids as a resiliency resource and examine work that is being done by the United States Department of Energy.