Aligning Interconnection Policy

As microgrids become more common to increase resilience and energy independence in the U.S., this NREL presentation explains the importance of evaluating state and local policy to ensure these projects are successful.

Topics Covered

This presentation includes the following topics:

• Overview and background of the U.S. Department of Energy’s Communities Local Energy Action Program
• An introduction to microgrids
• Discussion of potential technical policy barriers to microgrid deployments.

Key Takeaways

As utilities, authorities governing interconnection requirements, and other stakeholders update distributed energy resource interconnection policy, regulation, and requirements, it is important to consider current plans—and future goals—to increase resilience and energy independence. By identifying potential barriers in existing policy and technical requirements, readers may approach this briefing as a caution light on their journey to updating interconnection rules. This approach can help decision makers avoid barriers to microgrid deployment or lessen their impact.