Microgrid

Toward a 21st Century Grid

Producing value with advanced distribution management systems.

Changing demands from regulators, customers, and shareholders are driving utilities toward better operational technologies to manage an increasingly complex grid. Advanced distribution management systems (ADMS) promise nearly real-time operational insight for maintaining reliability, safety, and security.

Byline:

Nicholas Abi-Samra, et al.

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Customer First

Is the current regulatory compact in anyone’s best interests?

Serving customers’ needs should be a top priority for power companies, irrespective of the regulatory construct and business model. Transformation doesn’t change this basic fact, but how do we break the model without breaking the system?

Byline:

Charles Dickerson, Darren Brady, and Jamie Wimberly

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Results-Based Regulation

A more dynamic approach to grid modernization.

The utility’s role is changing, and regulation must change along with it – to spur innovation and respond to evolving customer needs. Modernizing the industry will require a dynamic approach.

Byline:

David Malkin and Paul A. Centolella

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Reinventing the Grid

How to find a future that works.

The traditional central-station grid is evolving toward a more distributed architecture, accommodating a variety of resources spread out across the network. An open and thoughtful planning approach will allow an orderly transition to an integrated system – while fostering innovation among a wider range of industry players.

Byline:

Michael T. Burr

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Don't Get Netflixed

The tide is turning. Are we planning for it – or hoping to stop it?

The central station system is the most cost-effective way to provide utility service, but that's beside the point. Customers don't care about 'utility service.'

Byline:

Michael T. Burr, Editor-in-Chief

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NRG Energy Signs Deal with Virgin Limited Edition to Power Necker Island with a Microgrid Solution

Submitted by aburr on Wed, 2014-02-12 12:35

NRG Energy and Virgin Limited Edition entered into a diesel reduction agreement for the provision of renewable power to Necker Island. Pursuant to this agreement, NRG will develop a renewables-driven microgrid for the entire island, supplying reliable electricity powered at least 75% by an integrated array of solar, wind and energy storage technologies.

The Innovator's Dilemma

Assessing the risks and rewards of distributed energy strategies.

To embrace change or fight it? The choice to either act or wait and see is fraught with complexity.

Byline:

Hugo van Nispen

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Power Breakfast

Fortnightly’s Executive Roundtable considers industry options and risks.

Fortnightly recently convened a group of senior operations executives from a variety of companies to discuss current trends in the U.S. power industry. Their comments reflect a mixed outlook on the industry’s transitionary changes.

Byline:

Michael T. Burr

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