The Department of Homeland Security had a need to understand how distributed energy (DE) systems could improve the resilience of critical energy infrastructure, specifically the electric grid. In the event of blackouts or power disruptions due to natural catastrophes, distributed generation could be indispensable for ensuring that emergency responders can communicate critical information when it is most needed.  Distributed energy and combined heat and power can also speed recovery and protect against further chaos.

An extensive literature search was undertaken to uncover both qualitative and quantitative information on DE markets in new commercial buildings and institutions.  In addition, a DE Market Assessment Questionnaire was designed to query individuals in this market as well as the critical infrastructure market.

The market study provides a perspective on energy concerns; ability to address those concerns at a facility level; interest in distributed energy and combined heat and power as a way to meet shortfall and reliability concerns; and willingness to take steps in that direction through policy and administrative actions.