Department of Energy Connected Communities

U.S. Department of Energy's (DOE) Connected Communities initiative represents a forward-thinking, interdisciplinary approach aimed at advancing energy-efficient, sustainable, and resilient technologies within residential and commercial communities. Led by the Building Technologies Office (BTO), this initiative fosters the integration of smart grids, distributed energy resources (DERs), advanced communication technologies, demand response (DR) systems, predictive energy data analytics, and machine learning (ML)/artificial intelligence (AI). Additionally, it emphasizes sustainability and resilience planning to create scalable, real-world solutions that improve energy systems and community outcomes. Through collaboration with utilities, governments, research institutions, and the private sector, Connected Communities seeks to promote the integration of renewable energy, optimize grid performance, and reduce emissions.

The Connected Communities initiative and the Grid-Interactive Efficient Buildings (GEBs) concept are closely interlinked. While Connected Communities focuses on integrating energy technologies at the community level, GEBs emphasize individual buildings that dynamically adjust energy consumption based on real-time grid conditions. GEBs encompass technologies such as smart thermostats, automated lighting, efficient HVAC systems, energy storage, and renewable energy generation. When implemented within Connected Communities, GEBs function as flexible loads that help balance energy supply and demand, contributing to the creation of "smart communities." These communities improve grid reliability, support renewable energy integration, and reduce the need for new power plants.

The effective deployment of Connected Communities will depend on various technologies designed to enhance energy management, including:

1. Smart Grids & Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI): Smart grids leverage AMI to monitor energy consumption and facilitate peak load management. This is enabled by real-time communication between utilities and consumers. This constant exchange of data facilitates automated load management and dynamic energy pricing to help improve grid efficiency, reliability, and support demand-side management (DSM).

2. Distributed Energy Resources (DERs): DERs such as rooftop solar, batteries, electric vehicle (EV) charging stations, and combined heat and power (CHP) systems enable localized energy production and storage. This promotes energy independence through microgrid capabilities that reduce reliance on centralized power generation and mitigate the impacts of power outages. Additionally, DERs help lower energy costs by incorporating cheap on-site renewable energy sources.

3. Advanced Sensors, Automation, and Control Systems: Sensors and automation systems enable dynamic energy management across entire communities, optimizing usage and enhancing grid reliability. Key benefits include fault detection, rapid recovery, and real-time energy flow optimization.

4. Energy Management Information Systems (EMIS): EMIS combine data from smart meters, sensors, and control systems to allow communities to monitor, manage, and optimize energy use in real-time, promoting energy-saving behaviors.

Buildings are responsible for nearly 40% of all primary energy use and over 70% of electricity consumption in the United States. Reducing emissions from building operations is critical to meeting national decarbonization goals. Consequently, architects, engineers, and contractors will need to integrate energy-efficient building systems (e.g., high-performance insulation, energy-efficient HVAC), renewable energy technologies (e.g., building-integrated photovoltaics, battery energy storage), and smart grid solutions (e.g., building automation/management systems with sensors) into their designs and operations going forward. These strategies will ensure energy-efficient and sustainable building operation in alignment with real-time grid conditions. Furthermore, they will need to navigate complex, evolving policy and regulatory frameworks that support continued innovation, while collaborating closely with utilities to bridge these frameworks with investments, programs, and funding. Key considerations include:

1. Building energy codes and performance standards such as California’s Title 24 and New York City’s Local Law 97 set minimum requirements for building energy efficiency, emissions, and resilience. These standards mandate the deployment of smart meters, DERs, and demand response systems within buildings, ensuring the infrastructure is in place to enhance energy performance beyond traditional design approaches.

2. Interconnection Standards and Codes like IEEE 1547 and UL 1741 are critical for the safe, standardized integration of DERs into the grid.

3. Grid Modernization and Investment through programs like DOE’s Grid Modernization Initiative (GMI) is essential for accommodating the influx of DERs and ensuring a stable grid capable of managing renewable energy.

4. Demand Response Regulations or Programs that incentivize consumers to reduce energy usage during peak periods help improve grid efficiency.

5. Incentives, Rebates, and Funding from federal and state sources, including tax credits and grants provide essential support for the adoption of sustainable energy technologies.