Check SCREEN READER MODE to make this survey compatible with screen readers.
Smart and Connected Communities - Survey of Projects
Background
Rocky Mountain Institute is working with Department of Energy (DOE) and National Renewable Energy Lab (NREL) to create an inventory of Smart and Connected Communities in the US and their associated district scale leading energy management strategies.
Thank you for participating in our study. This survey takes 5 – 10 minutes. Partial responses are Ok. By participating in this effort, you will be rewarded with access to our summary of findings white paper, a series of webinars, and the possibility of being the selected pilot project to receive follow on technical support from NREL and RMI.
The study explores the following:
1. The value propositions of “Smart and Connected” energy management strategies at the district and portfolio (multi-building) scale including integrated implementations of:
a. Renewable Energy Generation b. Energy Storage c. Microgrids d. Advanced Controls and analytics
e. Grid Interactive Efficient Buildings
2. The value of including multiple buildings into project implementations, and
3. The right stakeholder arrangements and the right business models, i.e asset ownership and control models
Definitions
The following definitions are provided to clarify terms used in the study:
1. Renewable Energy Generation: On-site renewable energy generation such as solar, wind, biomass, and small hydropower projects that directly serve the load of the facilities.
2. Energy Storage: District scale (i.e. shared) energy storage devices capable of charging and discharging. Examples include chemical batteries, flywheels, thermal storage. Installation may be in front of the meter (utility controlled) or behind the meter (customer/3rd party controlled).
3. Microgrids: Multi-building electric network with energy generation and/or storage devices and one central point of interconnection (POI) to the utility grid. Capable of islanding and reconnecting to the utility grid.
4. Advanced Controls: Grid-interactive controls that integrate and optimize across district scale resources. May include one or more of the following goals:
a. Demand charge management b. Time of Use (TOU) price arbitrage c. Demand Response (DR) program/wholesale markets d. Resilience/backup power e. Capacity constraints
5. Grid Interactive Energy Efficient Buildings: Energy efficient buildings with smart technologies that optimize energy use for grid services, occupant needs and preferences, and cost reductions in an integrated way.