A microgrid is an energy system that is entirely local and self-sufficient, creating power on-site for nearby facilities. Microgrids allow for fast deployment of renewable energy sources and are more resilient to natural disasters and attacks on infrastructure than traditional grid designs, which involve transmitting electricity over long distances through exposed power lines.

CGE is building out its first multi-customer microgrid site in Euclid. This and future microgrids will serve large-scale commercial and industrial customers, with plans to expand to smaller entities.

Features of Community Microgrids

• Small-scale local electricity systems capable of operating independently from the main grid.
• Can connect to and draw power from the main grid during normal operations.
• Harness power from local solar arrays and various other renewable energy sources.

Operational Resilience

• During power outages, control systems enable these microgrids to disconnect from the main grid and operate in "island mode," ensuring an uninterrupted electricity supply.

Community Microgrids Over Traditional Microgrids

• Cuyahoga Green Energy’s community microgrids are designed to serve multiple interconnected customers, unlike traditional microgrids that serve single or a few adjacent customers.

Initial and Future Plans for Community Microgrids

• The first microgrids will primarily serve commercial and industrial customers.
• Future expansions will include schools, grocery stores, fire departments, and other vital community facilities.

Projects

Euclid Microgrid Project

Cuyahoga Green Energy is working to develop its first multi-customer microgrid along the City of Euclid's East 222nd Street Industrial Corridor. It will serve large industrial and commercial customers, with a goal of expanding beyond these anchor clients in the future.

CGE has competitively procured Compass Energy Platform as its utility development partner for the Euclid microgrid. Compass is responsible for facilitating and procuring investments, overseeing engineering design, and managing the buildout of the project through its completion.