Governor Ned Lamont announced today that seven solar energy systems have been successfully installed and are now fully operational at six of Connecticut’s correctional facilities. These installations are part of a suite of projects aimed at generating significant cost savings for the state while also providing clean, renewable energy to these facilities. Correctional institutions are among the largest energy consumers in the state due to their continuous operation 24 hours a day, seven days a week, making the transition to solar energy a strategic and sustainable solution.
The seven solar energy systems will collectively deliver 8.3 megawatts of clean, renewable power to the correctional facilities, resulting in an estimated savings of more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the solar panels. Furthermore, the projects will contribute to reducing carbon emissions by an equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons annually.
Governor Lamont said, “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. 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.”
Angel Quiros, DOC Commissioner Angel Quiros, stated, “With our 13 facilities operating on an around the clock basis 365 days a year, we are always looking for ways to reduce our energy costs. The fact that we can do so by utilizing a clean energy source is an added bonus.”
This initiative is a collaborative effort between several key organizations, including the Connecticut Department of Correction (DOC), the Connecticut Department of Administrative Services (DAS), the Connecticut Green Bank, and TotalEnergies, a global integrated energy company. The financing for the projects was provided by the Connecticut Green Bank in partnership with TotalEnergies. Under a power purchase agreement with DAS, TotalEnergies will own, operate, and maintain the solar systems for the duration of the agreement.
The correctional facilities benefiting from these solar installations include Cheshire Correctional Institution, Enfield Correctional Institution, Manson Youth Institution, Osborn Correctional Institution, Robinson Correctional Institution A, Robinson Correctional Institution B, and Willard Correctional Institution. The systems installed at these facilities vary in size, with Cheshire Correctional Institution receiving the largest installation at 2.4 megawatts.
Michelle Gilman, DAS Commissioner, also added, “These seven projects are a win-win for the state. They will reduce our carbon footprint and save significant money for taxpayers. This has been a collaborative effort, and we look forward to building on this progress with other state agencies in the years to come.”
Bryan Garcia, president and CEO of the Connecticut Green Bank, mentioned, “Solar projects of this size and scope have significant benefits, and take time and coordination to complete, which makes it necessary to gather an excellent team of state and private capital partners. Thanks to the attention and collaboration of everyone involved, the Green Bank was able to use our Solar MAP process to streamline each step of going solar, from design to contracting to financing and energization. Building on this success, we will continue to work together to finalize more projects in our pipeline and help the state meet our climate goals while reducing energy costs.”
“The successful completion of the DOC’s seven solar installations demonstrates large-scale, distributed clean energy is both feasible and reliable. These projects provide significant cost savings for the DOC while directly contributing to the state’s 2040 zero-carbon electricity target. TotalEnergies is proud to once again play a vital role in the public sector initiatives that drive sustainable outcomes”, commented Eric Potts, vice president of TotalEnergies Renewables USA.
Other facilities include Enfield Correctional Institution, which has a 181-kilowatt system, and Manson Youth Institution, Osborn Correctional Institution, and Robinson Correctional Institutions, each with varying capacities. The project is expected to provide long-term environmental and financial benefits to the state while supporting Connecticut’s commitment to renewable energy.
