Are microgrids a potential for a modernized electric infrastructure?

1. Introduction Electricity distribution networks globally are undergoing a transformation, driven by the emergence of new distributed energy resources (DERs), including microgrids (MGs). The MG is a promising potential for a modernized electric infrastructure , .

Will grid-tied microgrid customers stay connected if the grid fails?

Although grid-tied microgrid customers will likely stay connected to the grid for the foreseeable future, only islanding in the case of utility grid failure, self-consumption of microgrid generated energy could erode the revenue base that has traditionally paid for utility infrastructure investments.

Is market restructuring a threat to a microgrid?

Market restructuring, like that proposed in New York's “Reforming the Energy Vision (REV)” effort, will be required to move from a situation where microgrids are viewed as a threat to one in which distributed energy resource services are valued by the utility grid and fairly compensated .

Are microgrids good for rural and remote communities?

While this paper focuses on microgrids in areas with existing centralized electrical grids, it is important to remember that they also present many advantages to rural and remote communities in developing countries; these are covered in more detail below.

Are microgrids part of the restructured New York electricity market?

The ecosystem of players in the restructured New York electricity market includes smaller generating companies called Independent Power Producers (IPPs). Microgrids, as such, do not fit neatly into the classes of market participant defined by restructuring, perhaps because they transcend the categories of generation, transmission, and distribution.

Is a microgrid considered an Electric Corporation?

A microgrid is likely to be considered an electric corporation if it intends to serve multiple, otherwise unrelated, retail customers, cross a public way with power lines, and/or obtain a franchise from a local authority. The reasons for this conclusion are discussed below in more detail.