Significant cost increases from utilities with a large differential in TOU rates is making local energy storage for time shifted use economically viable. Create a local microgrid to store energy generated by solar or purchased power at low night rates. Consume locally stored power during the day when utility supplied grid rates are higher. During power outages, the microgrid provides emergency standby power for critical loads. Manage microgrids in locations with high energy costs or unreliable utility power using an NRGpilot™ portal.