In Preparation for Future Weather Emergencies, State Approves Windham Microgrid Projects

HARTFORD, Conn., Sept. 27 -- Connecticut Senate Democrats issued the following news release:

Senate President Donald E. Williams, Jr., applauded today's State Bond Commission approval of funding for the installation of microgrids at the W.B. Sweeney School and Windham Middle School. The investment comes as a result of the extreme weather has left Connecticut residents without power and caused tens of millions of dollars in damage.

"The destructive storms of the last several years have led to the development of innovative ways to keep critical buildings powered during electric grid outages," said Senator Williams. "This investment in critical infrastructure will help provide residents with a safe area of refuge when they need it most and I would like to thank Governor Malloy for his support of this project."

Passed unanimously in both the House and Senate as part of Public Act 12-148, the Microgrid Pilot Program will increase safety and quality of life for Connecticut residents during power outages. Microgrids will provide electricity to critical facilities and town centers on a 24/7 basis and will include an isolation system so the microgrid can provide power despite any large-scale outages.

Windham will receive $639,950 to construct microgrids (130 kW natural gas, 250 kW solar, 200 kWh battery; two kW diesel) at the two schools.

"We know from first-hand experience that we must make our energy grid stronger, smarter, and more secure," said Governor Malloy. "As we see increasingly severe weather and other impacts of climate change, it becomes even more important to harden our infrastructure as we make investments to reduce global warming emissions. This project will help provide services the community urgently needs during widespread power outages."

"Windham is an ideal community to host a microgrid program and I am happy that the state has selected our town," said Representative Susan Johnson (D-Windham). "This legislation is a result of the big storms that caused major power outages. Microgids will allow us to provide services to our residents in the event of a major catastrophe. I want to thank Fire Marshal Licata for his work in making this possible."

"Large-scale outages are happening more frequently," Representative Linda Orange (D-Colchester) said. "This state investment in microgrids in Windham is a sound insurance policy for the next time the lights go out."

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