| | MARCH - APRIL 20268IN MY OPINIONPREPARING FOR THE NEWENERGY LANDSCAPEBy Scott Higgins, Director, Utility Distributed Energy & Microgrids, Schneider ElectricThe steady increase in energy consumption across North America is forcing consumers to contend with high and variable energy costs and utilities into increase grid investments. Total energy production in the United States increased for the sixth consecutive year in 2016, according to the U.S. Energy Information Association (EIA). During the same period, electricity generation from wind, solar, and other distributed energy resources (DERs) also grew, ushering in a "New EnergyW Landscape". These dynamics have intensified the complexity of the grid operations. Thus, utilities are looking closely at new, grid-edge hardware and software that solve for DERs, while meeting ratepayer expectations shifting towards a more affordable and sustainable energy mix and consumer options.This shift significantly impacts the distribution grid operator who now must manage a more diversified energy mix including "prosumers" who are contributing to the grid in new ways; from providing their own generation, to smart home technologies, to participating in programs like demand response. In response, microgrid technologies have evolved to become one of the most effective tools for grid operators to solve the dynamics of the New Energy Landscape. Utility-scale microgrids are one of the most efficient ways for utilities to manage DER, incorporating support services such as energy supply, frequency control, voltage stability, power quality, and storm/outage management in one solution. Microgrids that incorporate advanced software enable better predictive control for added efficiency and cost-savings.The fastest and most efficient way to reach a high penetration of renewable with safe and reliable delivery of electricity is to implement microgrids Advanced microgrids also now include intelligent optimization tools that enable grid operators to better manage consumption and improve the efficiency of the
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