What if your town doubled as a residential power grid?

illuminem summarizes for you the essential news of the day. Read the full piece on The New York Times or enjoy below

🗞️ Driving the news: The U.S. Energy Department's 2022 estimates indicate over 450 operational microgrids across the U.S. However, Elham Akhavan of Wood Mackenzie suggests the number could be closer to 3,500 in 30 states

🔭 The context: Many microgrids in the U.S. are built by government agencies, academic institutions, and health care facilities
• An increasing trend in residential microgrid adoption is noticeable as states begin providing funds and incentives for power-resiliency projects
• The California Public Utilities Commission approved a $200 million program to support community microgrids, especially in vulnerable areas

🌎 Why does it matter for the planet: With an average of seven hours of power interruptions in 2021 for Americans, and some states like Louisiana and Texas experiencing 20-80 hours, microgrids offer a solution to power resiliency issues

⏭️ What's next: Home developers are focusing on energy-resilient homes and communities as significant selling points 
• Projects like Heron’s Nest in North Carolina and KB Home's development in Menifee, Calif., showcase the potential for microgrids in residential sectors
• Such models are anticipated to become more prevalent as climate-related power challenges intensify

💬 One quote: “The rooftop solar and the sense of security we got knowing that you’d have power during a storm sealed the deal for us” (Mr. Moulder, semiretired inventory manager)

📈 One stat: In Babcock Ranch, Florida, which calls itself the nation's first solar-powered town, not a single home lost power during Hurricane Ian, even when over two million Floridians did

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