Groton Electric Light Department (GELD) and Lightshift Energy, a prominent developer, owner, and operator of energy storage projects, held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday to introduce a second microgrid and battery storage project in Groton Electric, Massachusetts. Two main objectives will be met by the energy storage project: lowering grid load during periods of high demand, saving GELD customers millions, and giving Florence Roche Elementary School direct backup power.
Representatives from around the state, including State Undersecretary of Energy Michael Judge, attended the project ribbon cutting event, reaffirming Massachusetts as a pioneer in the country’s deployment of renewable energy. The speakers praised how the state’s creative approach to sustainable energy is demonstrated by this 3 megawatt battery storage project, which combines a microgrid and peak shaving project to provide several advantages to the local community.
GELD is happy to introduce these initiatives to the community, according to GELD Manager Jonathan Patterson.
“We are proud to offer the school and our ratepayers in Groton Electric an innovative solution to help maintain low rates while enhancing reliability, reducing Groton’s peak demand, and lowering carbon emissions,” stated Patterson.
In order to directly backup vital infrastructure and save money for the community, GELD was among the first municipal utilities to install a multipurpose microgrid. The second energy storage project in Lightshift and GELD’s ongoing collaboration, the Groton II microgrid, went online in August 2024. In July 2024, Groton I, which is likewise 3 megawatts, came online.
“Groton II delivers both cost savings and critical backup power, maximizing the value of energy storage for the community,” stated Lightshift Co-Founder and Managing Partner Rory Jones. “This project reflects the leadership and innovative thinking of GELD, and we’re proud to partner on their efforts to strengthen local energy resilience, support clean energy and create value for the community.”
“The Groton II microgrid provides an innovative solution to providing energy at the Florence Roche Elementary School and to residents of Groton,” stated State Representative Danillo Sena. “The project is a unique and exciting opportunity to lower energy prices while providing backup power to vital infrastructure. I’m so excited to see the success of this new microgrid!”
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