Statewide ~ On Thursday, January 2nd, 2025, the Polis Administration announced the release of the Colorado Microgrid Roadmap. This roadmap outlines potential solutions for improving power grid resilience in Colorado through the use of innovative microgrid technology. Microgrids are local energy systems that can operate independently from the main power grid, providing a reliable source of electricity during larger power outages.

Governor Polis expressed his enthusiasm for this development, stating that "Microgrids will bring big benefits to communities across Colorado, including in rural areas, by saving people money on energy bills and keeping the power on." He believes that this roadmap will provide a clear path to improving access to locally produced, low-cost, and reliable energy for Coloradans.

The need for such a roadmap became apparent due to the increasing frequency and duration of power outages caused by wildfires and extreme weather in Colorado communities. In response, the Colorado Legislature passed bipartisan legislation directing the Colorado Energy Office (CEO) and the Department of Local Affairs' (DOLA) Colorado Resiliency Office to explore microgrid technology's uses, benefits, challenges, and policy recommendations.

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To support the development of this roadmap, the Polis administration utilized a portion of its federal Grid Resilience Formula Funding from President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure law. The Microgrid Roadmap defines and evaluates different types of microgrids while also developing criteria to identify priority projects. It also recommends key policies to facilitate microgrid deployment in Colorado and addresses challenges such as costs, interconnection standards, and legal considerations.

According to CEO Executive Director Will Toor, "Microgrids are one useful tool to help achieve our ambitious climate goals." He believes that reliable access to clean electricity is crucial as communities continue to electrify buildings and cars. This roadmap offers a long-term strategy for incorporating microgrids into Colorado's energy resilience plan.

The Microgrid Roadmap also recommends prioritizing microgrid projects in communities that are most vulnerable to power outages and have higher social and climate risk factors. To identify these areas and critical facilities, the state developed a community-informed critical infrastructure and facility prioritization process as part of the roadmap.

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Microgrids exchange power with traditional utility grids while also receiving electricity from local sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, fossil fuel generation, and batteries. In addition to providing grid resilience benefits, the adoption of clean energy and battery storage systems through microgrid projects can reduce greenhouse gas emissions from the electricity sector.

To further support grid resilience and reliability projects, the state offers grant funding to utilities, local communities, and community anchor institutions. The Microgrids for Community Resilience Grant program, funded by state and federal grid resilience funding through DOLA, has already supported 25 planning and construction projects totaling approximately $17.7 million.

DOLA Executive Director Maria De Cambra emphasized the importance of enhancing critical infrastructure's energy resilience against increasing demand on the grid and more frequent natural hazards. She stated that "We are pleased that DOLA can help strengthen Colorado communities through the Microgrids for Community Resilience Program."

The Colorado Energy Office also offers federally funded grid monitoring and grid hardening grant programs to help eligible utilities prevent fires and protect the grid from wildfires and extreme weather. With the release of this roadmap, it is clear that Colorado is taking proactive steps towards a more resilient energy future for its citizens.

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