When it comes to discussing microgrids, much of the discussion has been centered around data centers and how they will meet the growing power demands of AI computing technology. What hasn’t been talked about nearly enough, though, is how these solutions can serve entire communities — everyday people with standard power needs. 

In its attempt to start this conversation, microgrid provider Enchanted Rock has partnered with Chicago-based electric utility ComEd, the Chicago Housing Authority, and residents of Bronzeville to find out whether it’s possible to power a community with better energy solutions. On May 24, 2024, the people of Bronzeville found out that the answer was “yes.”

An Unlikely Partnership Is Accomplishing Amazing Things

Earlier this year, Enchanted Rock installed solar photovoltaics owned by the Chicago Housing Authority on 16 residential units in the Dearborn Homes. These, along with a 500 kW/2 MWh battery-powered energy storage system owned by ComEd and 5 MW of dispatchable natural gas generators owned by Enchanted Rock, would power an islanded microgrid that was slated to serve over 1,000 residents and business owners.

This experiment was certainly a nail-biter, as many weren’t sure it would work. Some in the community thought there would be significant power quality issues. While utilities in other jurisdictions have implemented smaller microgrids before, this marked the first time a larger microgrid had been used to provide emergency power to a community of people.

Moving Forward With a Spirit of Innovation

Fortunately, it has worked well so far. ComEd controls the microgrid, and the power is fed entirely through its generators. In 2025, the utility expects to be able to nest the microgrid with another located at the Illinois Institute of Technology. Though each microgrid will be controlled separately, they will be connected to and draw from each other, creating increased resiliency in the system.

What’s more, ComEd is testing out synchrophasors that will allow the company to gain visibility into the islanded microgrid system. This way, ComEd can employ real-time power quality monitoring and respond to any problems with the system right away. 

All of this is part of the company’s broader Community of the Future project, which will also include:

• Wi-Fi hotspot kiosks
• Electric vehicle chargers
• Renewable-powered street lights
• A mural painted by local artists and students

These community-based resources will bring much-needed power and connectivity to the residents and business owners of Bronzeville. This project is unique in that it brings together a local government agency, a utility, and a microgrid provider, all working toward a common goal. 

Overcoming Challenges to Build a Model for the Future

Still, the project hasn’t been without its challenges. According to Enchanted Rock Chief Commercial Officer Allan Schurr, the contractual and permitting process was challenging, but “the permitting was resolved several months ago, construction and commissioning are completed, and the microgrid is ready to serve.”

Though the project is different from traditional models, other communities and jurisdictions are trying to follow in its footsteps. Two new neighborhoods in Menifee, California, are trying out the concept of getting power from nested microgrids, and three hunter-gatherer tribes in Humboldt County, California, are doing the same. 

The Enchanted Rock team and all who reside and do business in the community hope that these efforts will prove successful and provide a much-needed roadmap for change in designing for power reliability.

Check out the original article by Lisa Cohn to learn more.