Gaining the People’s Trust Helped Move this Virtual Microgrid Forward
A virtual microgrid without borders that started in Chelsea, Massachusetts is expanding to other communities, boosting community involvement and innovation.
A community-led virtual microgrid “without borders” that began in Chelsea, Massachusetts, is expanding and, along with it, the impact of the project, which is expected to serve as a model for other municipalities.
In late June, the Chelsea City Council approved a plan to move forward with the virtual microgrid, a partnership between the city, community groups and business organizations. The council approved the financing, with Ameresco serving as contractor under an energy services contract. The city approved a $3.6 million loan from Bank of America. The project also received state grant funding of $1.03 million, said David Dayton, CEO of Clean Energy Solutions, a consultant to the project and a key player in the team that conceived of the project.
