Islands of Light: Microgrids and Fracturing a Public Good

Abstract

Climate-linked extreme weather events, aging infrastructure, and structural underinvestment contribute to increased vulnerability of urban populations to crises from interrupted electricity service. Microgrids – small-scale geographic “islands” of more resilient energy systems – present a technical solution to energy vulnerability. But energy planning is a socio-political process alongside a technical one, and while microgrids may create more resilient energy for some, they may further exacerbate cities’ structural and spatial inequities. Discourses on energy democracy identify a democratic alternative to the existing socio-technical institutions that govern energy infrastructure. Inclusive, participatory planning processes present an opportunity to build resilient energy systems that work for the benefit of all.