Smart Microgrids Increase Reliability

Microgrids can be connected to one another and to the larger grid, which allows them to back each other up — and back up the central grid — when power demand and cost are highest. This would lead to fewer rolling blackouts and brownouts during times of peak demand, like hot summer days. Smart technology such as sensors and automated switches enable many of the problems that cause blackouts to be avoided entirely, or at worst, restricted to much smaller areas. The resulting reliability and energy efficiency dollar savings to consumers are typically at least four times the cost of implementing a smart microgrid.