Spent Earth Day in Baltimore at the Microgrid Knowledge Conference
April 23, 2024I spent Earth Day in Baltimore at the Microgrid Knowledge Conference!
As part of my Energy and Environment Fellowship with Future Caucus, I participated in the 3rd Annual Think Microgrid Policy Workshop. We had a productive dialogue about establishing principles for "community microgrid" legislation, federal funding programs, and new opportunities for microgrids to provide resilience, climate, and equity solutions.
Microgrids can operate independently from the main grid, providing power during grid outages or emergencies. This ensures the continuity of critical services like hospitals, emergency shelters, and communication networks. Overall, microgrids contribute to a more resilient, flexible, and sustainable energy infrastructure by decentralizing power generation and distribution.
Connecticut is paving the way nationally for Microgrids. We were one of the first states nationwide to develop policy to incentivize microgrid development. 2012 legislation created the original Connecticut Microgrid Grant and Loan Program. In 2020, after Tropical Storm Isaias, as Vice Chair of the Energy Committee under the leadership of Chair Arconti, we amended and expanded the program, defining resilience as a goal and establishing it as a priority for project awards. I look forward to continuing to push in this space as a state legislator.