Micro-grids: Using Distributed Energy Resources For An Economic And More Resilient Power Infrastructure

New Name – Old Idea

Micro-grids connecting distributed energy resources with the utility power grid are new forms of an old solution: decentralized power generation that, through advances in controls and power electronics, are now able to interact efficiently with the utility grid and "island" from it when necessary.

Early in the development of the electric industry, generating energy locally was not unusual. In fact, it was common for large campuses – like universities, hospitals and resorts – to have their own power systems. The July 16, 1909 edition of The Ostego Farmer, reporting on the opening in Cooperstown (NY) of the "palatial [Otesaga] Summer Hotel," describes a power house located 300 feet from the main building, with boilers, a 100 kW and a 50 kW generator directly connected to the hotel to furnish light for the building and all the electric motors for elevators and pumps, to maintain a temperature of 70 degrees year round. Columbia University for many