Glastonbury Seeking Grant for Microgrid Power System

Glastonbury is seeking a grant from the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to help fund a microgrid system that would help power town hall and the town’s wastewater treatment plant in case of an extended power outage.

The town has applied for the DEEP grant after the department established a $15 million microgrid grant and loan program allowing towns and cities throughout the state to apply for funding for the systems, which are powered by solar energy, a fuel cell or natural gas. The town is looking to purchase a 400-kilowatt natural gas generator, which would supply power to town hall and the wastewater plant. Town Manager Richard J. Johnson said annual electric savings for the town are estimated at $190,000.

The system could also provide to the police department, ambulance facility and assisted living facility during extended power outages.

If approved for grant funding, the town would also need to set aside funding for the project.

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