Community response to microgrid development: Case studies from the U.S.

Abstract

Microgrids could improve grid reliability and resiliency, while decentralizing, decarbonizing, and democratizing electricity provision. Recent federal and state level policies and investments have sought to encourage their development. Yet, little research has been done to understand how communities respond to microgrid proposals. We conducted case studies of community response to four different community microgrid proposals in the U.S. – two successful (Hot Springs, NC; Panton, VT) and two unsuccessful (Albany, NY; Carson, CA) – examining relevant media coverage and policy documents (n = 533) and conducting semi-structured interviews with active stakeholders (n = 28). Findings suggest that community leaders and local citizens initially viewed microgrids favorably, particularly those utilizing renewable energy as their primary generation source. Backup generation via fossil fuel sources appeared less problematic. Utility-backed proposals providing multiple component benefits in addition to resiliency – such as peak shaving and/or cost savings for utilities and transmission owners – proved more successful than those proposed by other entities without such benefits. Early, sustained, and responsive community engagement by the developer was also critical to project success – and will likely only become more so as microgrids scale up (both in numbers and size) and touch multiple stakeholders.