The future of energy resilience is now on display in Panton, Vt., where local utility Green Mountain Power last summer activated an innovative, renewable-powered “microgrid” designed to keep the town’s lights on even if power is cut off from the company’s main network by, say, a falling tree’s knocking down a power line. Other utilities around the country in states like California are pursuing similar projects as they brace for worsening storms, wildfires, and other climate threats. The goal, says Green Mountain Power head of innovation Josh Castonguay, is to develop systems to help make communities more resilient; the company is also working with residents to install backup home batteries to ensure a steady supply of power.
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