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Fundamentals of Microgrids

June 17, 2026 Online :: Central Time

“Appropriate course for an introduction to microgrids.  It’s fast-paced but all the topics are covered in the appropriate depth.”

Senior Project Development Engineer, Ameresco

The need to increase reliability and resiliency and integrate sustainable energy resources to basic energy services is increasing interest in microgrid development. This market is transitioning from early staged projects to full-scale commercialization.

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to the fundamentals and specifics of microgrids. Participants will explore benefits, applications, configurations, challenges, policies, and funding opportunities. The course will also cover components and future trends in the microgrid industry.

Key Takeaways

  • Applications and Value:
    • Recognize various microgrid applications
    • Understand the purpose and value of each
  • Real-World Examples:
    • Review and compare actual microgrids
  • Benefits and Impact:
    • Examine societal benefits of microgrids
    • Understand their industry impact
  • Financing and Investment:
    • Discuss options for funding and investing in microgrid installations
  • Technical Aspects:
    • Identify configurations, control systems, communications, and protection schemes
  • Technology Discussion:
    • Engage in discussions on existing and emerging microgrid technologies
  • Environmental Impact:
    • Review microgrid impacts on the environment
    • Understand their role in local resiliency and grid strength

Learning Outcomes

  • Review what microgrids are and they work
  • Examine the design and operational features of microgrids
  • Recognize the various applications of microgrids and contrast the purpose and value each provides
  • Identify their configurations, controls, communications, and protection schemes
  • Examine the benefits of microgrids for society and their impact on the industry
  • Engage in a discussion on existing and developing microgrid technologies
  • Review microgrid impacts on the environment, local resiliency, and a stronger grid
  • Discuss options for financing or investing in microgrid installations
  • Identify the milestones in constructing, optimizing, and commissioning a microgrid

Register

Please Note: This event is being conducted entirely online. All attendees will connect and attend from their computer, one connection per purchase. For details please see our FAQ

If you are unable to attend at the scheduled date and time, we make recordings available to all attendees for 7 days after the event

REGISTER NOW FOR THIS EVENT:

Individual attendee(s)$ 1095.00 each
Volume pricing also available

Individual attendee tickets can be mixed with ticket packs for complete flexibility

Pack of 5 attendees$ 4,655.00 (15% discount)
Pack of 10 attendees$ 8,760.00 (20% discount)
Pack of 20 attendees$ 16,425.00 (25% discount)

Your registration may be transferred to a member of your organization up to 24 hours in advance of the event. Cancellations must be received on or before May 15, 2026 in order to be refunded and will be subject to a US $195.00 processing fee per registrant. No refunds will be made after this date. Cancellations received after this date will create a credit of the tuition (less processing fee) good toward any other EUCI event. This credit will be good for six months from the cancellation date. In the event of non-attendance, all registration fees will be forfeited. In case of conference cancellation, EUCIs liability is limited to refund of the event registration fee only. For more information regarding administrative policies, such as complaints and refunds, please contact our offices at 303-770-8800

Agenda

Wednesday, June 17, 2026
Central Time

Online

Log In and Welcome

8:45

Lunch Break

12:00 - 12:45 PM

Adjourn for the day

5:00 PM

8:45 - 9:00 AM

Log In and Welcome

12:00 - 12:45 PM

Lunch Break

9:00 AM - 5:00 PM

Course Timing

Understanding Microgrids: Definitions

Microgrid Concepts

  • The history of the grid and evolutionary need for microgrids
    • Late 1800s–early 1900s
    • Early electric grids: centralized generation
    • Grid expansion
    • One-way power flow
    • Modern challenges facing centralized grids

Microgrid Fundamentals: What They Are and How They Work

  • Utility scall smart grids vs. microgrids
  • How a microgrid fits into the larger smart grid concept
  • The initial concept – what is a microgrid?
  • Development – why do we need microgrids?
  • Implementation – how are microgrids built and operated?
  • The future – trends and evolving roles of microgrids

Microgrid Architecture: Design and Operational Perspectives

  • Benefits for grid operators, local facilities, the environment, and national security
  • Hardening the grid for national security and recovering from national disasters
  • Grid support and ancillary services
  • Critical city services
  • Helping to meet decarbonization goals
  • Services to grid operators during an outage

Microgrid Evolution and Trends: Evolving Landscape

  • Diverse Microgrid Configurations: Types and Variants
    • Behind the meter microgrids
    • Generation and transmission facility microgrids
    • Residential microgrids
    • PV Co-located microgrids
    • Microgrid examples
    • The next step in microgrid evolution
  • Ensuring Reliability: Microgrid Redundancy and Resilience
  • Real-World Applications of Microgrids: Case Studies and Use Cases
  • Interconnected Microgrids: Integration with Utilities
  • Navigating Microgrid Challenges and Identifying Risks

Regulatory Landscape: Federal, State, and Local Developments

  • FERC permitting and department of environmental quality implications
  • NERC and power pool requirements
  • 1547 Standards
  • State house bill legislation

Contractual Frameworks for Microgrid Development

  • Considerations when selecting a site, facility, or partner

Financial Considerations in Microgrid Investment

  • Options for funding grid scale microgrid projects
  • Scenarios to consider when building a contract
  • Things to consider when developing a program
  • What are the largest costs of a microgrid?
  • Strategies and technologies to decrease installation time and cost

From Concept to Construction: The Microgrid Development Journey
Microgrid Procurement Strategies: Best Practices

Design Principles for Effective Microgrid Solutions

    • Understanding the layout and configuration using a simplified one line
    • The purpose of the parts and pieces of a microgrid, etc.
    • Difference between parallel, series and generator, motor, engine
    • Sequence of events during an outage or a call for grid ancillary service
    • Interconnection and anti-islanding protection protocols, i.e. transfer trip, hot line blocking and synchronization

Constructing a Microgrid: Key Steps and Considerations

  • Commissioning and Optimizing Microgrid Operations
  • Digital Transformation in Microgrid Management
  • Engaging Communities: The Social Impact of Microgrids

The Future of Microgrids: Innovations on the Horizon

Instructor

Brett Ryhal, PMP, PE

Senior Program Manager

Sargent & Lundy, LLC

Brett is an accomplished leader in the field of corporate electrification and utility strategies, specializing in innovative solutions for microgrid development and energy storage systems. With extensive experience managing complex projects ranging from 7,000 to 15,000 man-hours, Brett blends emotionally intelligent leadership with advanced project management techniques to drive business growth and efficiency in the utility sector.

As a program manager overseeing substations and transmission operations, Brett expertly navigates the intricate landscape of risk management while maintaining project timelines and budgets. His unique ability to integrate cross-disciplinary design and construction management (Civil, Structural, Electrical, and Transmission) positions him as a key influencer in the evolution of energy systems.

Brett is also a sought-after speaker and podcast host, contributing to industry dialogues through platforms such as The Grid Mod Pod, where he explores essential topics like battery storage, grid modernization, and the development of future utility leaders. His commitment to nurturing client relationships and uncovering new business avenues reflects his dedication to advancing the electric utility industry.

He earned degrees in Electrical Engineering, Statistics, and Finance.

Continuing Education Credits

IACET

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EUCI is accredited by the International Accreditors for Continuing Education and Training (IACET) and offers IACET CEUs for its learning events that comply with the ANSI/IACET Continuing Education and Training Standard. IACET is recognized internationally as a standard development organization and accrediting body that promotes quality of continuing education and training.

EUCI is authorized by IACET to offer 0.7 CEUs for this event

Verify our IACET accreditation

Who recognizes IACET Credits?

 

Requirements for Successful Completion of Program

Participants must Log In and be in attendance for the entirety of the course to be eligible for continuing education credit.

Instructional Methods

Case studies, PowerPoint presentations, and group discussion will be used in this event.

CPE

Upon successful completion of this event, program participants interested in receiving CPE credits will receive a certificate of completion.

Course CPE Credits: 7.5
There is no prerequisite for this Course.
Program field of study: Specialized Knowledge
Program Level: Basic
Delivery Method: Group Internet Based
Advanced Preparation: None

CpeEUCI is registered with the National Association of State Boards of Accountancy (NASBA) as a sponsor of continuing professional education on the National Registry of CPE Sponsors. State boards of accountancy have final authority on the acceptance of individual courses for CPE credit. Complaints regarding registered sponsors may be submitted to the National Registry of CPE Sponsors through its website: www.nasbaregistry.org

CLE

Only registered attendees can request CLE credits for an EUCI course/event.  Please email [email protected] prior to the course start date and list the state where you are licensed and your bar# as well as the name and date of your course/event in your request, and someone will be in contact.

Who Should Attend

  • Engineers, managers, professionals, and policy analysts from the utility industry
  • Facility managers and electrical engineers for corporate, academic, or residential campuses
  • State regulators and staff
  • County and municipal officials
  • Distributed generation industry
  • Combined heat and power industry
  • Renewable energy suppliers
  • Researchers and academics
  • Military advisors
  • Hardware suppliers, advanced metering vendors, software vendors, construction firms