Industry Leaders Launch Group to Create a Coordinated Industry Voice for Microgrids in the U.S.

“Think Microgrid” to advance state and federal policy, and serve as a resource to policy makers

More than a dozen companies leading the way to improve electric reliability with microgrids today formed a new coalition to represent the industry at the state and federal level. Called “Think Microgrid,” the organization fills the need for a coordinated voice to support the fastgrowing microgrid sector in critical policy, legislative and regulatory discussions. Think Microgrid also will act as an educational resource for policymakers and regulators who are working to ensure electric reliability, achieve clean energy goals, and keep power costs in check.

“Microgrids are an essential technology in an era of wildfires, severe freezes, hurricanes, derechos, and other climate disruptions that increasingly demonstrate the vulnerability of our electric grid,” said Cameron Brooks, Executive Director of Think Microgrid. “Most states, however, have not determined
how microgrids will be incorporated into the physical grid and the market design. Meanwhile, Congress is beginning to define the role of microgrids in infrastructure improvements and climate policy.“

“Think Microgrid intends to help drive these efforts forward, leveraging the deep knowledge and experience of our founding companies,” Brooks said.
The organization was announced on the final day of Microgrid 2021: The World Awakens to Microgrids, a virtual conference offered by Microgrid Knowledge that attracted more than 4,000 participants. Think Microgrid’s founding members include:

  • Ameresco
  • Bloom Energy
  • CleanSpark
  • Compass Energy Platform
  • Concord Engineering Group
  • DCO Energy
  • Eaton
  • Enchanted Rock
  • HOMER Energy by UL
  • Power Secure
  • PxiSE Energy Solutions
  • Schneider Electric

Comments from founding members – Ameresco:

“This is a critical time to focus on microgrid policy and the transformative impact microgrids can have on society,” said Mike Bakas, Executive Vice President at Ameresco. “We are already seeing the early impact of an administrative focus on climate change mitigation, and our goal is to pave the way for well-defined microgrid policies as a critical component to resiliency, sustainability, and cost savings. The time to act is now.”

[…] For more information about Think Microgrid, visit www.thinkmicrogrid.org (link opens in new window).

Press release issued on 6/3/2021. Read more in this Microgrid Knowledge article (link opens in new window).