A day-ahead optimal scheduling method for a grid-connected microgrid based on energy storage (ES) control strategy is proposed in this paper. The proposed method optimally schedules ES devices to minimize the total operating costs while satisfying the load requirements of cold, heat, and electricity in microgrids. By modeling the operating cost function of each stage, the proposed method is able to adapt to different types of electricity markets and pricing mechanisms. The technical characteristics of ES, such as self-discharge and round-trip effi- ciency, are considered in the control strategy with a multistage process model. An improved dynamic programing method is used to solve the optimization model. Finally, case studies are provided to illustrate the application process and verify the proposed method.