Microgrids Beyond the Hype : Utilities Need to See a Benefit

o move microgrids from the potentially irritating “hype cycle” across the dreaded “trough of disillusionment” and up the slippery “slope of enlightenment” to reach the long-sought “plateau of productivity” might seem a daunting task, particularly given the obviously melodramatic language that often accompanies technology maturation and market acceptance. Nonetheless, the promise of microgrids for achieving energy assurance—essentially a measure of reliability—when coupled with other crucial value propositions, including environmental and economic goals, deserves review. While not all technology advancements survive beyond the hype cycle, every successful technology must endure a journey that begins in a giddy whirlpool of potential outcomes. in the case of microgrids, many stakeholders are optimistic that the fundamental strengths of the technology and its myriad applications will prevail over what appear to be surmountable hurdles. But to move beyond the hype, the technology’s drivers and opportunities should be spelled out alongside an honest review of the barriers to implementation. my own related work focuses on interconnections, where technology, standards, and policies join grid to microgrid. To develop the proper context for interconnection-related issues, i will begin by defining microgrids in general terms and describing typical use cases. Then, i will turn to recent efforts by the state of minnesota to explore microgrid drivers, opportunities, hurdles, and next steps. it is in that specific context that a description of ongoing changes to interconnection standards and policies will make the most sense. The discussion is relevant not only to minnesota’s interest in microgrids but to other states, utilities, microgrid sponsors, and readers of IEEE Electrification Magazine.