Power System Hardening through Autonomous, Customer-driven Microgrids

Autonomous, customer-driven microgrids can harden power systems by providing significant reliability and security benefits. However, these benefits can best be achieved by utilities and system planners adopting a "can do" attitude that approaches the problem as that of metamorphosis of today's distribution systems into tomorrow's microgids, rather than as a reluctant, gradual and incremental transition. Moreover, this can be achieved by today's technology. All the enabling devices and technologies either already exist, or are under development. All that really needs to be implemented are strategies for deploying this technology, and the rules of their interaction and operation. This paper outlines the processes that will enable the metamorphosis mentioned above.