Connecticut Gov. Ned Lamont announced that seven solar energy systems have been installed and are now operating at six of the state’s correctional facilities in a suite of projects expected to generate millions in cost savings while delivering clean, renewable energy to the facilities.
Because correctional facilities operate nonstop 365 days a year, they are among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned facilities.
“Installing solar energy systems at correctional facilities is a way that we can deliver cost savings in the operations of state government while also reducing our carbon footprint,” said Lamont. “Correctional facilities provide a necessary public safety service for our communities, and their around-the-clock operations require a significant amount of energy to function. I am glad that we could get these projects completed and that our correctional facilities can begin taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy.”
According to the governor’s office, the seven systems will collectively deliver 8.3 MW of solar energy to the correctional facilities, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels and reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons annually.
The projects are a collaboration between the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC) and the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), along with the Connecticut Green Bank and TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company that will own, operate, and maintain the systems through a power purchase agreement executed by DAS.
Eric Potts, vice president of TotalEnergies Renewables USA, noted the projects will also help contribute to the state’s 2040 zero-carbon electricity target.
The correctional facilities utilizing these solar energy systems include:
- Cheshire Correctional Institution, Cheshire (2.4 MW)
- Enfield Correctional Institution, Enfield (181 kW)
- Manson Youth Institution, Cheshire (2.2. MW)
- Osborn Correctional Institution, Somers (2.2 MW)
- Robinson Correctional Institution A, Enfield (83 kW)
- Robinson Correctional Institution B, Enfield (167 kW)
- Willard Correctional Institution, Enfield (1 MW)
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