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Microgrid model spreads in Massachusetts as cities look to lessen costs, outages

Summary

Two community microgrid projects in Chelsea and Boston’s Chinatown in Massachusetts are becoming influential examples for similar initiatives across the state. These microgrids, set to be constructed in 2024, aim to enhance resilience and deliver multiple benefits for residents. Chelsea's microgrid will connect municipal facilities, including a police station and city hall, with plans for expansion to essential locations like senior housing. In Chinatown, the project focuses on a 200-unit affordable housing apartment building, aiming to provide solar power and backup energy storage. These initiatives are part of a unique model for community-owned "virtual microgrids," using cloud-based software for flexibility in component locations. Financing challenges are evident, with Chelsea securing $4 million in funding from the city council, while Chinatown faces the need for affordable financing to cover the project. The community-led ethos remains central, empowering residents and ensuring their involvement in the microgrid projects' goals, design, and operations.

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