CT provides $18M for nine microgrids

HBJ File Photo Alan Rubacha, senior project manager with physical plant-facilities at Wesleyan, shows how the university's own generating systems will provide power to the university 24/7, even during widespread electrical outages.

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Connecticut is giving eight communities $18 million to develop nine mini power grids to keep electricity flowing during emergency situations when the main power grid goes down.

The Microgrid Pilot Program from the state Department of Energy & Environmental Protection made its initial awards on Wednesday to projects in Hartford, Middletown, Storrs, Groton, Woodbridge, Windham, Bridgeport, and Fairfield. Nearly 40 communities, agencies, and businesses originally applied for funding.

The funding for the program sprung out of the 2011 storms that caused prolonged power outages in much of Connecticut. The state initially funded $15 million to develop small pockets where critical facilities would remain operational. The program got an additional $30 million this year.

Hartford received two awards: $2.3 million for two diesel generators to power the University of Hartford campus and St Francis Hospital, and $2.1 million for a natural gas turbine for the Parkville Cluster school, senior center, library, supermarket, and gasoline station.

Middletown will receive $694,000 for a natural gas co-generation unit for the Wesleyan University.

Storrs will receive $2.1 million for a fuel cells at the UConn Depot Campus.

Groton will receive $3 million for a cogeneration unit and a diesel generator for the Naval Submarine Base. Since the base is a federal entity, the money comes from the state Department of Economic and Community Development, not DEEP like the other awards.

Woodbridge will receive $3 million for a fuel cell and natural gas turbine for its police station, fire station, Department of Public Works, down hall, and high school.

Windham will receive $639,950 for natural gas, solar, battery, and diesel units at two schools.

Bridgeport will receive $3 million for three natural gas microturbines for its city hall, police station, and senior center.

Fairfield will receive $1.2 million for natural gas and solar systems for its police station, emergency operations center, cell tower, fire headquarters, and public shelter.