BINGHAMTON, N.Y. -- The city of Binghamton is in the process of developing design plans to implement a microgrid. They've been awarded a $1 million grant as part of stage two of the NY Prize Community Microgrid competition.
A microgrid is a standalone energy system that can operate independently of the main grid.
It provides critical power backup for vital facilities during extreme weather events and emergencies -- if there is a power outage to the main energy source. It'll also support the development of renewable energy technology.
City officials say the Rockbottom Dam would help power the microgrid. Hospitals, police, and fire stations would be some of the top services to reap the benefits.
"We'll be able to just maintain operations as usual... everybody uses computers nowadays for dispatching, our radios, an air compressor which fills our SCBA bottles, how we breathe so we can breathe in a burning building. Just for us to continue operations,” said Binghamton Fire Chief Dan Eggleston.
In stage one of the competition, the city was awarded $1,000 to study the feasibility of installing a microgrid. The $1 million from stage two will fund actual engineering plans, and then the city plans to apply for $5 million in stage three to actually build the microgrid.
Binghamton is no stranger to severe weather events, so this will be a huge help to the region.
During a flood, the microgrid will allow more options for emergency services to function than they could on just backup generators.
Officials say microgrid developments will also help support the states goal to reduce greenhouse gas emissions 40 percent by 2030.