What are Smart Microgrids?

Microgrids are modern, small-scale versions of the centralized electricity system. They achieve specific local goals, such as reliability, carbon emission reduction, diversification of energy sources, and cost reduction, established by the community being served. Like the bulk power grid, smart microgrids generate, distribute, and regulate the flow of electricity to consumers, but do so locally. Smart microgrids are an ideal way to integrate renewable resources on the community level and allow for customer participation in the electricity enterprise. They form the building blocks of the Perfect Power System.

Here at the Galvin Electricity Initiative’s Microgrid Hub, you will find a comprehensive set of resources on microgrids, collected from our partners and from across the web. Use the navigation system at the left to browse through all of our microgrid materials, and if you have suggestions for additional content, please let us know. If you are a member of the media seeking information on microgrids, be sure to view our press kit in addition to the other resources.

The Microgrid Hub was launched on May 20th to coincide with our Capitol Hill briefing, “Microgrids: A Critical Component of U.S. Energy Policy.” The May 20th briefing, hosted by the the House Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming, featured presentations from the Galvin Electricity Initiative’s John Kelly, Guy Warner of Pareto Energy, and Intel’s Fiona Sim.  Download all of the presentations from the links below:

  • John Kelly Presentation (PDF)
  • Guy Warner Presentation (PDF)
  • Fiona Sim Presentation (PDF)