Resilient Microgrids for Rural and Tribal Communities Using AI and Distributed Battery Energy Storage

Kit Carson Electric Cooperative (KCEC), a rural electric co-op, is pioneering the development of a resilient, intelligent microgrid network across three critical locations in Northern New Mexico— a key tourist area, a rural community, and a tribal substation. This project, funded under the Department of Energy’s Grid Resilience and Innovation Partnerships (GRIP) program, focuses on integrating Battery Energy Storage Systems (BESS) and solar photovoltaic (PV) systems with advanced AI to enhance energy reliability and resilience. By enabling these communities to be islanded during wildfires, Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS), or extreme weather events, the project will support critical loads such as emergency services, health clinics, and tribal facilities, ensuring uninterrupted power when it's needed most. The microgrids will also be optimized for grid-attached operations, providing market integration and grid stabilization during normal conditions. KCEC and its key partners will share lessons learned, challenges faced, and the strategies for deploying and operating microgrids in rural and low-to-moderate income (LMI) areas. Attendees will gain insights into how microgrid technology, supported by AI and renewable energy, can offer resilient, scalable solutions for energy independence in rural and tribal regions. This project serves as a model for other small utilities of implementing microgrids, PV, and BESS in LMI communities to provide resilience and grid optimization.