Recently, I hosted a gathering to see if there was interest in participating in a community microgrid or networked geothermal heating in the Orchard Valley neighborhood of Amherst. Paul Fenn of Local Power, LLC was in attendance and presented about the Own Your Power program in Ithaca, New York that is assisting the city and residents in creating such networks as described in Part 1 of this series. Though in its early days of implementation, Ithaca’s model highlights how microgrids can be embedded within a larger framework of community wealth-building, climate justice and resilience. It was a small but very enthusiastic group which included folks with solar panels, EVs, and geothermal heating and were excited to discuss the possibilities.
Across the United States, microgrids are becoming central elements of local energy strategy. What began as a technical solution to manage rising electricity demand is quickly evolving into something more transformative: a tool for energy democracy, climate impact protection and resilience, and local control. As electrification accelerates — bringing heat pumps, electric water heaters, vehicles, and appliances onto the grid — communities are recognizing that simply expanding centralized infrastructure doesn’t make sense. Instead, many are turning to microgrids as a way to both reduce strain on the grid and protect themselves from its vulnerabilities.
A microgrid is a localized energy system that can operate independently or in conjunction with the larger utility grid. Typically powered by a combination of solar, battery storage, EV bidirectional charging and sometimes other renewable or backup sources, microgrids can stand alone or “island” during outages, continuing to supply power to homes, businesses, or critical facilities. This capability is becoming increasingly important as climate change intensifies the risks facing centralized energy systems.
Extreme weather events, like those we have all now experienced, are testing grid reliability. Heat domes drive massive spikes in electricity demand while simultaneously reducing the efficiency of transmission infrastructure. High winds and severe storms are knocking down power lines with increasing frequency. In some regions, wildfire risks have even led utilities to proactively shut off power. Add to this the growing concern over cyberattacks or physical threats to grid infrastructure, and the appeal of safe, decentralized, resilient systems becomes clear.
Microgrids offer a form of insurance. By keeping power local and controllable, they allow communities to maintain essential services during disruptions. Hospitals, emergency shelters, and water treatment plants are often early adopters, but the concept is rapidly expanding to neighborhoods and mixed-use districts. In these contexts, microgrids are not just about backup power; they are about rethinking who controls energy and how it is distributed.
Massachusetts is also emerging as a leader in microgrid development, supported by a combination of state policy, funding programs, and municipal initiative. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) has played a key role through its Community Microgrid Program, which provides grants and technical assistance to cities and towns exploring microgrid feasibility. These efforts are often focused on critical infrastructure, but they increasingly include broader neighborhood-scale applications. Recent climate legislation has further emphasized grid modernization and resilience, creating a more supportive environment for decentralized energy solutions.
At the neighborhood scale, microgrids open up new possibilities for collective action. A cluster of homes, a public housing complex, or a mixed-use development can share generation and storage resources, reducing costs and increasing reliability. In some cases, these systems can be structured as cooperatives or other community-owned entities, aligning with broader goals of economic equity and local control.
Challenges absolutely exist. Regulatory frameworks have not yet caught up to the possibilities of decentralized energy. Questions about interconnection, cost allocation, and utility business models can slow progress. Upfront costs, while declining, can still be a barrier, particularly for lower-income communities. Ensuring equitable access to microgrid benefits will require intentional policy design and sustained public investment.
Despite these hurdles, the momentum behind microgrids is unmistakable. For municipalities across Massachusetts and beyond, microgrids are becoming a strategic priority. As the energy landscape continues to evolve, the shift toward microgrids and networked geothermal may prove to be one of the most significant transformations of the clean energy transition. I hope our Valley Green Energy, our electricity aggregation among Northampton, Amherst and Pelham, and our municipalities and neighborhoods will join the effort to safeguard our future. If interested in being an early adopter/trailblazer, respond to the email below.
Darcy DuMont is a former town councilor and sponsor of the legislation creating the Amherst Energy and Climate Action Committee. She is a founding member of Zero Waste Amherst, Local Energy Advocates of Western MA, and a non-voting member of Valley Green Energy Working Group. She can be contacted at dumint140@gmail.com.