Resilient Microgrids for Critical Services

The Resilient Microgrids for Critical Services Program is a joint initiative between the Office of Energy Resources and the Renewable Energy Fund. The program is designed to catalyze the development of microgrids throughout Rhode Island municipalities, school districts, and fire districts to provide increased energy resilience during times of electrical grid outages. The program was developed in response to multi-day power outages caused by severe weather and other utility system events in recent years.

The program is designed in two phases:

Phase 1: Microgrid Feasibility Studies

Phase 1 focuses on the development of feasibility studies, giving communities the opportunity to explore the potential for a microgrid project, with no obligation to proceed to Phase 2. Phase 1 is currently accepting applications.

If selected, applicants will work with REF and OER’s technical consultants to carry out the full feasibility assessment. Projects that produce a favorable feasibility assessment may then be eligible to apply for Phase 2: Microgrid Construction to develop their proposed project.
 

Phase 2: Microgrid Construction

Phase 2 will be focused on constructing projects found to be feasible. This phase is currently under development and will be launching around Fall 2025. Phase 2 will provide technical and financial assistance to applicants for microgrid construction. Approved proposals will require a cost share commitment.

Contact Us

For more information on the Resilient Microgrids for Critical Services program, please contact Danielle Jameson at danielle.jameson@energy.ri.gov.