Regulation of microgeneration and microgrids

The concept of microgrid (mu Grid) has been emerging as a way to integrate microgeneration (mu G) in low-voltage (LV) networks and simultaneously improve its potential benefits. Technical requirements to connect mu grids to LV networks have been studied in order to make this concept technologically feasible and safe to operate. However, the regulatory framework for economic integration of mu G and mu Grids on distribution systems, despite being crucial, is still an open issue. The main purpose of this paper is to contribute for the development of an appropriate economic regulation framework that removes the barriers to mu G and mu Grid development. To do so, the relevant costs and benefits resulting from the establishment of mu G and mu Grid are identified and a methodology for sharing those costs and benefits among the involved economic agents is presented. The only prerequisite of such a methodology is the existence of a net benefit to all economic agents. (C) 2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.