National Grid Helps Drive Massachusetts Toward a Clean Energy Future
February 2, 2017 /3BL Media/ - National Grid today announced plans to help move the Commonwealth of Massachusetts closer to a clean energy future. To assist the state in its growing demand for “green” transportation, the company plans to develop more than 1,200 electric vehicle charging ports at 140 sites over a three-year period.
The proposal, which currently is pending approval by the Mass. Department of Public Utilities (DPU), comes on the heels of a new law signed by Governor Charlie Baker in January. The new legislation makes it more attractive to choose emission-free automobiles by improving access to public charging. The company will work with local businesses to implement the plan.
“We congratulate the Baker-Polito Administration and the state legislature for passing a law that makes low-emissions vehicles even more accessible in the future,” said Marcy Reed, president of National Grid in Massachusetts. “This is a significant step to reducing emissions and further developing this market. We are thrilled to play such an integral role in offering customers clean and affordable choices on our way to a decarbonized future.”
National Grid’s proposal includes developing standard and fast-charging ports at workplaces, multi-unit dwellings and other destinations drivers frequent. It also includes an educational plan intended to increase customer awareness of the benefits of driving electric vehicles. The company believes the dual effort of raising customer awareness and increasing the number of charging stations will lead to a significant increase in the number of electric vehicles on local roads. National Grid’s program will also provide information on the potential impact increased vehicle usage could have on the company’s electric infrastructure as it prepares for growth in the electric vehicle market.
National Grid is embracing innovative programs and partnerships to ensure a cleaner, more affordable energy future for all customers. Today’s announcement marks the latest in a series of “green connections.” The company has received approval by the DPU to move forward with plans for phase three of its company-owned solar program, which allows the company to build an additional 14MW onto its already robust solar generation portfolio. The approved plan also allows the company to build 7MW of renewable energy storage, marking the first time an investor-owned utility in the region will build, own and test renewable energy storage. Read more about National Grid’s road to a decarbonized energy future in our eBook: The Democratization of Energy.
About National Grid
National Grid (LSE: NG; NYSE: NGG) is an electricity and natural gas delivery company that connects nearly 7 million customers to vital energy sources through its networks in New York, Massachusetts and Rhode Island. It is the largest distributor of natural gas in the Northeast. National Grid also operates the systems that deliver gas and electricity across Great Britain.
Through its U.S. Connect21 strategy, National Grid is transforming its electricity and natural gas networks to support the 21st century digital economy with smarter, cleaner, and more resilient energy solutions. Connect21 is vital to our communities' long-term economic and environmental health and aligns with regulatory initiatives in New York (REV: Reforming the Energy Vision) and Massachusetts (Grid Modernization).
For more information please visit our website, or our Connecting website, follow us on Twitter, watch us on YouTube, friend us on Facebook, find our photos on Instagram
CONTACT: Media Relations – 781-907-3980
