It used to be every town wanted a backup generator to keep the lights on, if the power grid failed. Now, the popular choice may be a community microgrid.
After months of study, state officials are looking at promoting a policy to create a series of microgrids, which would be capable of providing power if the electric grid shuts down during extreme weather.
The New Jersey Board of Utilities directed its staff to develop a set of policies to develop localized power sources that can provide electricity and a safe haven to residents in so-called Town Centers.
Potential locations for so-called advanced microgrids include municipal or county government-critical facilities such as police, fire, and administrative centers, along with other structures that can provide emergency shelters during major storms, in which 100,000 people or more lose power for at least a day. Other potential locations include hospitals, healthcare facilities, and water- and wastewater-treatment plants.