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TCAAP Energy Integration Resiliency Framework <br />Energy Efficiency Strategies <br /> <br /> <br /> 73 <br />4.4. Demonstration Opportunities <br />4.4.1. Advanced Distribution Grid <br />TCAAP’s greenfield status, combined with the site’s forward looking energy vision, make it an ideal <br />opportunity to pilot and demonstrate advanced technologies in the electric distribution grid. Many of <br />the opportunities outlined in this report, such as high solar PV penetration, advanced commercial <br />building metering, or responsive electric loads, are all facilitated by a distribution system with <br />increased communications and control functions. <br />Features that could be piloted at the site might include increased reliability testing, or load <br />management strategies that rely on advanced metering and communications throughout the <br />distribution network. Load management—the real-time increase or reduction of electric demand in <br />response to external signals—can change customer electricity use in response to signals such as <br />physical constraints or environmental signals, such as an excess renewable energy capacity. The results <br />can save customers money and reduce the environmental impact of their energy use. <br />By laying the groundwork for an advanced distribution system at TCAAP during the planning phase, <br />residents and businesses would have access to cutting edge opportunities such as advanced rate <br />design or real-time load response. Moving forward on these opportunities would likely require the <br />collaboration of Xcel Energy, the Public Utilities Commission, and the Minnesota Department of <br />Commerce, Division of Energy Resources. <br />4.4.2. Innovative Energy Technologies <br />In addition to pilot opportunities at the grid level, TCAAP is ideal for demonstrating innovative energy <br />technologies at scale. The Project Team recommends that the JDA and County seek and attract <br />partnerships to demonstrate proven technologies and strategies. While the technologies may be <br />proven, TCAAP offers scalable and living demonstration opportunities, where an apartment, house, or <br />street of homes could serve as a living lab. Additionally, as a cold climate site that can attract multiple <br />partners, there is great opportunity to demonstrate the synergies that can exist between multiple <br />innovative technologies and design strategies. This might include piloting new in-road luminescent <br />street or pedestrian path lighting products in conjunction with high efficiency overhead LED street <br />lighting or homes that have on-site electric storage and remote controlled appliances/electronics that <br />communicate with each other. <br />The following case studies outline how demonstration opportunities can make economic sense for <br />developers, the partnerships that brought opportunities to life, and key technologies that could be <br />demonstrated at scale.