Think Microgrid 2023 State Scorecard


2023 State Scorecard

The Think Microgrid 2023 State Scorecard uses an evaluation framework that considers five fundamental criteria, each of which is critical to understanding today’s market and future opportunities: deployment, policy reform, resilience, market development and equity. The Scorecard includes detailed analysis of state activities across the landscape and argues that states should develop “microgrid road maps” to identify and implement microgrid policies.

 

Findings Report: Ownership Models and Data Strategy for Microgrids

ORNL CoverFindings Report: Ownership Models and Data Strategy for Microgrids

The “Ownership Models and Data Strategy for Microgrids” report is based on informational interviews, surveys and interactive discussions led by Think Microgrid in collaboration with Oak Ridge National Lab during the past year. This effort focuses on identifying real-world opportunities and challenges related to data access and governance in microgrid contexts. 

The report identifies key areas where well-designed policy can help overcome such challenges, in addition to articulating principles to support data-informed microgrid integration. If microgrids and other DERs are going to serve as the building blocks of a more sophisticated and decentralized grid, researchers and technology companies will need to define the key components of a “digital interconnection” to the grid that supports data liquidity and usefulness.

Microgrid Policy Issues

Policy makers and regulators are responsible for designing utility markets that are resilient, clean and equitable. This is a daunting task and Think Microgrid is dedicated to ensuring that they do not need to bear this responsibility alone so that they can design the future that every community deserves.

Think Microgrid is focused on bringing practical and pragmatic strategies to modernize the policy landscape in which microgrids operate. Achieving the full potential of microgrids requires dedicated and deliberate action by regulators and policymakers. 

There is no shortage of private capital ready to invest in microgrids and advanced energy solutions, but that requires more sensible price signals and tariffs. Regulatory reform that focuses on fair value, fair access and fair rates is urgently needed. Unpredictable costs and arbitrary interconnection requirements hamper customer investments in microgrids, denying full achievement of cost savings. Rectifying these issues will help cities, towns and utility planners better understand where, when and how to incorporate microgrids into their resilience and infrastructure planning. 

Think Microgrid brings practical solutions and the deep experience of its members to a wide range of topics surrounding microgrids. We seek to open conversations that lead to pragmatic solutions that fit for each state, region and community. Key issues include:

  • Regulatory Treatment of microgrids
  • Rate Design & Tariff Development
  • Organized Market Access
  • Locational Value
  • Resilience Value
  • Rights-of-Way Restrictions
  • Interconnection Policy

Think Microgrid is the unified voice of the microgrid industry and we look forward to bringing that experience into the conversations that will establish the markets of today…and tomorrow. 

Think Microgrid Vision Paper Image

Get the Think Microgrid Vision Paper 

Recent Think Microgrid Policy Publications

Open Letter to Granholm

View the open letter to Secretary Granholm on the DOE's Zero Emissions Building definition.

2023 Policy Opportunities

View the opportunity statements developed during the 2023 Think Microgrid Policy Summit

2022 State Assessment

View Think Microgrid's 2022 assessment of state microgrid policies

2022 State Actions Memo

View the state actions memo developed during the 2022 Think Microgrid Policy Summit

Microgrid Now!

Watch the Microgrids Now! video, prepared by the Civil Society
Institute, Think Microgrid, RMI, and the Millennial Action Project