Vermont utility wants to ‘radically transform’ grid, add microgrids and create resiliency zones

By Elisa Wood, Microgrid Knowledge

Green Mountain Power (GMP), Vermont’s largest utility, plans to create new microgrids and community resilience zones as part of a plan to “radically transform” the grid that is outlined in the utility’s new integrated resource plan (IRP).

IRP filings are closely watched within the energy industry because they signal how utilities intend to invest capital in the future. GMP, which delivers over three-quarters of Vermont’s electricity, files an IRP every three years.?

In the latest plan, the utility said it wants to transform the grid into a two-way sharing system, generate more renewable power close to where it will be used, and foster electric vehicles.

“This work is imperative and requires that we evolve quicker than we ever have before. The climate challenges and catastrophes experienced across the country are heartbreaking and motivate us to move even faster as we radically transform the greater grid here in Vermont and deliver something much more resilient and dynamic,” said?Mari McClure, GMP president & CEO, in the IRP’s introduction.

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