Massachusetts public power utility in December was recognized by the Commonwealth for working with the Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School and Wakefield High School on the Wakefield Energy Park project, which will serve as a microgrid for both schools.
The project includes a five-megawatt battery storage system, which will help reduce peak demand and provide backup power to the schools during outages, and rooftop solar systems at each school. The Energy Park project is expected to save customers $20 million over its lifetime.
In December, the Healey-Driscoll Administration recognized six Massachusetts state entities, municipalities, and public sector individuals for their leadership in driving initiatives to reduce environmental impacts of state and local government at the 19th annual Leading by Example Awards Ceremony.
Awardees were honored for their leadership in clean energy and sustainability projects.
“We’re inspired by the dedication of our state and local partners to deploy innovative clean energy solutions that lower the costs and environmental impacts of government,” said Energy Resources Commissioner Elizabeth Mahony. “Our six awardees create energy efficient, sustainable buildings; take on geothermal, solar, and microgrid projects; and make great strides in transitioning their fleets. I’m proud to recognize their accomplishments.”
The Leading by Example (LBE) program is administered by the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER). LBE collaborates with state agencies and public colleges and universities to advance clean energy and sustainability practices that reduce the environmental impacts of state government operations, regularly providing technical assistance and grant funding. Cities and towns across the Commonwealth receive similar support and grant funding through DOER’s Green Communities program.
State agencies and public higher education campuses have made significant clean energy and sustainability progress. This includes collectively installing more than 34 megawatts of solar PV on state property, reducing fuel oil use by more than 93 percent, acquiring more than 460 zero emission vehicles for the state fleet while installing more than 465 electric vehicle charging stations with more than 825 ports, and much more.
On the municipal side, 298 of Massachusetts’ 351 cities and towns hold a Green Communities designation. The Green Communities have reduced lifetime energy costs by an estimated $237 million to date.
Nearly $200 million in Designation Grants and Competitive Grants have been awarded to Green Communities since the program began in 2009 to fund clean energy and energy efficiency projects across municipal buildings, facilities, and schools.
