Dive Brief:
- Microgrids that allow customers to cut the cord with their power company are proliferating as electricity prices rise and technology advances offer consumers "plug and play" systems.
- Microgrids use software and remote measuring devices to control rooftop solar panels and natural gas-fired generators and even store power for later use.
- Navigant Research expects the global market to approach $40 billion by 2020.
Dive Insight:
Microgrids are one of the "mortal threats" facing the traditional electricity industry, according to NRG Energy CEO David Crane. Tony Earley, CEO of PG&E, says builders of microgrids should have "to pay for that through some sort of charge" that supports to legacy grid.
