OVER A CENTURY OF SERVICE
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MARBLEHEAD MUNICIPAL LIGHT DEPARTMENT'S HISTORY |
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2005 The start of a multi-year project began on the causeway. The adding
duct and manhole renewal process will allow for the removal of the overhead
circuit.
Support for renewable resources, such as our participation in the Berkshire Wind
Project as well as interest in a Bio Mass Project, are a part of our overall
efforts to reduce the power supply costs. These projects are protected from the
volatile price swings of fossil fuels providing us with a more balanced energy
portfolio.
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2006 Completion of the upgrade on the 13KV supply line from Creesy Street
to the Commercial Street as well as the testing and energizing of the underground
beneath the causeway.
Replacement of the existing Beacon Substation originally installed in
1957 was nearing its end of useful life. In October crews began installing
new underground within the renewed duct work. By the end of December the substation
was completed and operational.
This year the department assisted
in funding two residential photovoltaic installations in town.
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Generators at the Wilkins Substation
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2007 MMLD was selected to participate in the Locational
Forward Reserve Market (LFRM) after winning the bid process. This allowed
the Light department to maximize the value of it own diesel generation
facilities at the Wilkins Station. The market established a price for generators located within
Northeast Massachusetts load zone that could be fast start (30 minutes
or less) in order to supply capacity deficiency. This internal asset saved
our customers in excess of $400,000 for 2007.
Our membership in the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC)
together with 14 other municipal light departments, are participating in an initiative
to purchase the assets of Berkshire Wind Power LLC. Berkshire Wind Power
assets would add a source of clean renewable energy to our overall energy portfolio.
The projected date to be on line is 2010.
This year also brought the installation of a new distribution feeder from the
Clifton Substation. This new circuit will provide additional capacity due to
the new YMCA.
2007 continued our evaluation of the BPL (Broadband over Power Lines) program.
This allows electric utilities access to smart-grid technologies resulting in
lower power costs, less pollution, greater reliability and security.
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