– MMWEC and Lightshift Energy are partnering to implement a fleet of grid-scale BESS
– Lightshift will build up to 50 MW of BESS across MMWEC’s utility membership
– The project aims to provide over $200 million in cost savings for municipal customers and help Massachusetts reach its net zero emissions goal by 2050
The Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC) and Lightshift Energy have partnered to implement a fleet of grid-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) across MMWEC’s growing utility membership, serving nearly 200,000 customers. Lightshift will build up to 50 MW of BESS, aiming to provide over US$200 million in cost savings for municipal customers and help the Commonwealth reach its net zero emissions goals by 2050. Participating utilities within MMWEC’s membership will host Lightshift energy storage projects, with the initial wave of projects set to commence operations this summer.
The projects will leverage Lightshift’s expertise in analytics, finance, operations, and engineering to develop, own, and operate the BESS systems. Peak shaving activities will drive cost savings, with the BESS being charged during periods of lower energy consumption and discharged during peak demand times. This not only has economic benefits but also reduces strain on the grid and supports increased integration of renewable energy, enhancing sustainability.
The BESS projects are already under construction in towns like Groton, Holden, and Paxton, with additional projects in various stages of development in other communities. The portfolio is scheduled to come online throughout 2024 and 2025, with a focus on supporting the municipal utilities in Massachusetts in decarbonization efforts and aligning with the Commonwealth’s emissions reduction targets.