Texas has faced frequent power outages due to extreme weather in recent years, highlighting the need for more resilient energy systems. Distributed energy resources have demonstrated their reliability during these events, preventing outages when the grid is under stress. Microgrids, in particular, are gaining attention from both the Texas legislature and utility regulators, with initiatives like the Texas Energy Fund’s “Backup Power Package” and the Utility Microgrid pilot program within CenterPoint’s Resiliency Plan, underscoring their critical role in enhancing grid stability.
As climate patterns become increasingly unpredictable, energy loads and resources are following suit, creating a demand for advanced control systems that ensure grid resilience and responsiveness. Microgrids offer a unique solution by balancing loads and resources at a distributed scale, allowing for intelligent islanding and reconnection with the main grid as needed. Supported by battery energy storage, microgrids not only improve grid performance but also offer financial benefits through ancillary services such as real power regulation and voltage control.
In this session, Adam Miller of Sunnova and Pam Hewitt of PXiSE Energy Solutions will explore models for implementing microgrids across various sectors, including residential, commercial and industrial, and critical infrastructure. The discussion will focus on how grid operators like ERCOT and utilities can harness the controllable nature of DERs within microgrids to strengthen the grid during both extreme weather events and normal conditions, ensuring a more resilient and reliable power supply for Texas.
**Requires a conference pass
Sponsored by Smart Energy Decisions
