Distribution utilities are increasingly receiving requests to implement and interconnect multi-customer microgrids on their systems as a reliability and resilience solution. Designing, assessing, and integrating all the requisite components of the microgrid to ensure it operates safely and effectively is an evolving challenge. Such processes are either completely new to microgrids or require further development and refinement (e.g., building upon DER interconnection processes).

This EPRI-moderated panel will ask utility representatives from CenterPoint Energy, DTE Energy, Portland General Electric, and Hydro One to share their experiences with implementing and reviewing multi-customer, community microgrids on their systems.  Common technical and non-technical learnings will be discussed; topics may span from RFP and requirements development, design feasibility assessment, and definition of ownership and operational responsibilities, to scenario modeling, and setting of testing and commissioning expectations.

Attendees can expect to takeaway:

• Emerging practices for managing community microgrid interconnection requests
• Identify procedural gaps that utilities are still addressing or would like to see improved 
• Recommendations of who should be involved at various stages to make multi-customer, community microgrid projects successful