Community Micro-Grids

I recently came across this article about how a particular neighborhood in Brooklyn is creating their own micro-grid.  It can be attached to the main grid, when the power is up, and if the grid goes down, this little micro-grid in Brooklyn can operate on its own, at reduced power.  This would be a great addition to any community.  In particular for my part of the Poconos, how great would it be to set up some hydro-dams that operate in a similar fashion.