Microgrids are key part of new energy landscape; ISO-NE helps pave way for market integration

New England’s power system is transitioning to a future with increasing amounts of renewable and distributed resources, and microgrids are an exciting example of both. This past August, the Otis Air National Guard Base in Massachusetts unveiled its brand-new microgrid that can meet the base’s electricity needs should it be disconnected from the power system. It consists of a 1.5 megawatt (MW) wind turbine, a 1.6 MW diesel generator, and a 1.6 MW battery.

The Otis Air National Guard Base microgrid is interconnected at the electric distribution system (lower than 69 kV here in New England) and is not interconnected to the region’s bulk power system. However, base administrators are exploring opportunities for the battery to participate in the New England Regulation Market in the future. The ISO is providing ongoing support to those discussions, explaining the technical specifications and performance requirements associated with providing services to the region’s electric grid.

The ISO New England teams providing support include staff from Asset Registration and Auditing; Market Development; Data Communications; Operational Performance, Training and Integration; and External Affairs. A few members from these teams attending the base’s ribbon cutting event and captured these pictures.

• Learn more about how ISO New England continues to remove barriers and expand market access for energy-storage technologies
• Read about two batteries that have joined the Regulation Market.