In a series of initiatives that will save millions of dollars while providing clean, renewable energy to the prisons, Governor Ned Lamont has announced that seven solar energy systems have been constructed and are now functioning at six of Connecticut’s correctional facilities.
Correctional facilities, like any other state-owned buildings, require a lot of energy since they are open around the clock every day of the year.
“Correctional Facilities Provide a Necessary Public Safety Service for Our Communities”
“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,” Governor Lamont said. “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.”
Together, the seven systems will provide the prison 8.3 MW of renewable energy, saving the state about $11 million in energy expenses throughout the panels’ lifespan.
The initiatives are a partnership between the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Connecticut Department of Corrections (DOC), the Connecticut Green Bank, and the international integrated energy business TotalEnergies. The Connecticut Green Bank partnered with TotalEnergies to fund them. A power purchase agreement signed by DAS will allow the firm to own, run, and maintain the systems.
The Following Correctional Facilities are Using These Solar Energy Systems
- 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)
