Vermont is well advanced in microgrid development.
COLCHESTER, Vt. (WCAX) – Green Mountain Power says it’s changing the traditional electric grid to focus on storing and spending energy through batteries across the state.
The programs are centered around using Tesla Powerwall batteries in peoples’ homes and large microgrids to pull energy on peak days and create weather-resilient communities. The goal is to buy less dirty energy from the regional grid and combat climate change.
“Over time, as we invest in this and develop it with our customers, we will literally create a Vermont that can withstand all of the impacts of the climate crisis because we have decentralized all aspects of the grid,” said GMP CEO Mari McClure.
A centralized grid has a power plant at the center and energy flows in one direction to homes. In a decentralized grid, McClure says the energy is flowing two ways. It can be stored or pulled and used in a home or sent back out to help other Vermonters. If a break in energy flow happens, the power stays on by pulling from the battery storage.
(The link has an excellent video worth reviewing)