The social factors shaping community microgrid operation

When extreme weather events result in power blackouts, the critical electricity needs of a community can continue to be met by utilizing localized energy resources. The collective setup of these resources is referred to as a microgrid. Here, we carry out a survey to study the preferences of 1021 US residents on how the finite energy stored in a community microgrid should be rationed amongst various participating households during prolonged blackouts. Particularly, a differentiated service paradigm—where certain consumers can pay more to avail of higher energy quotas—received support from over 91.8% of respondents, despite the zero-sum nature of such rationing. We also report that respondents were receptive to selling between 42–53% of their stored energy to the microgrid should they own personal backup devices—what we call willingness-to-sell—balancing self-preservation and monetary compensation. Studying the factors influencing the responses on the fairness of differentiated service (for consumers) and willingness-to-sell (for storage owners), we identify for policymakers and businesses that an energy-as-a-service model is socially acceptable for community microgrids. Can residents in a community microgrid enjoy greater electricity quotas during blackouts by paying more? Study shows US residents support market-based mechanisms even in life-and-death situations.