Distributed Generation & Microgrids

Economy of Small

How DG and microgrids change the game for utilities.

Michael T. Burr

Energy microgrids have emerged as more than just a curiosity. The technology is improving, costs are falling, and developers are lining up to build projects. How will microgrids overcome the substantial challenges that stand in their way?

Read Entire Article

Old School Microgrid

Resilience depends more on determination than technology.

By Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

A brutal storm ripped through southwestern Minnesota in April and snapped 2,000 power poles. Worthington Public Utilities kept the lights on with a seat-of-the-pants microgrid.

Read Entire Article

Smaller, Cheaper, and More Resilient

The rationale for microgrids.

Edward N. Krapels and Clarke Bruno

Despite an array of challenges, microgrids are becoming a force in the market. Innovative projects bring greater efficiency and resilience.

Read Entire Article

The Law of Unintended Consequences

The transition to distributed generation calls for a new regulatory model.

Robert E. Curry Jr.

With the best of intentions, policymakers have encouraged the proliferation of distributed generation (DG) in various forms. Now, however, the trend toward DG is accelerating more rapidly than traditional utility ratemaking and business models are capable of managing. Failure to rationalize the regulatory framework will bring serious and costly disruption.

Read Entire Article

Peaceful Coexistence

Independent microgrids are coming. Will franchised utilities fight them or foster them?

Sara C. Bronin and Paul R. McCary

Despite offering a range of benefits, microgrids are proving to be controversial—especially when non-utility owned microgrids seek to serve multiple customers. The biggest battles are taking place in the realm of public policy. But utilities that pursue collaboration rather than confrontation are finding interesting opportunities for profitable investment.

Read Entire Article

'Resilience'

A new watchword for the industry and its regulators.

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

If the concept of resilience—including cyber and physical security—had been baked into the industry’s culture from the beginning, the energy grid might look a lot different from what it does today.

Read Entire Article

Franchise Fracas

Will Boulder be the last city to go muni? Don’t bet on it.

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

When the goals of a utility and its host community aren’t in sync, breakups happen.

Read Entire Article

Islands in the Storm

Microgrids begin to make economic sense.

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

With microgrids in place, doomsday preppers wouldn't need to worry so much about a zombie plague.

Read Entire Article

March of the Microgrids

Technology is changing the game. Is your utility ready?

Stephen Schneider

Although today microgrids serve a tiny fraction of the market, that share will grow as costs fall. Utilities can benefit if they plan ahead.

Read Entire Article

Smart Grid at a Crossroads

Refining the business case for advanced distribution investments.

Michael T. Burr

As utilities plan their capital budgets for the next few years, investments in advanced distribution systems face an uncertain future. Customers question the value—and propriety—of some programs, while long-term strategic goals depend on seamless integration. What will be the path forward for smart grid technology?

Read Entire Article

[BETA] Fortnightly

Calendar of Events

Keywords

Public Utilities Reports

PUR Guide 2012 Fully Updated Version