SEPA Selected for Stakeholder Engagement and Microgrid Resilience Planning

Awarded grants in Maryland and Kentucky highlight SEPA’s growing capabilities

WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA) announces two new microgrid program grants for resilience planning and stakeholder engagement. These grants recognize SEPA’s expertise in these areas.

The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA), as part of the inaugural Resilient Maryland program, selected SEPA to perform a year-long stakeholder engagement process, and a feasibility study for a microgrid supporting the Newtowne Twenty multifamily housing complex in the City of Annapolis. SEPA will develop a preliminary microgrid design model analysis and associated scenario cost estimates, which will inform an engineering analysis from Baltimore Gas & Electric and a societal benefit analysis from Gabel & Associates.

“SEPA is excited to work closely with our utility partners and local stakeholders to inform project design components and positively impact community resiliency and affordability for Maryland residents and its energy future,” said Natalia Mathura, Principal, Utility Business Models at SEPA.

“Maryland’s clean energy future needs to move forward and Resilient Maryland encourages this progress by providing vital funding to kick-start customized projects,” said Maryland Governor Larry Hogan. “Our push for clean energy ensures a more environmentally sustainable, more resilient and more prosperous Maryland.”

“Historically, Maryland has imported most of our energy from out of state coal-fired power plants,” explained MEA Director Mary Beth Tung. “The Resilient Maryland pilot offers a unique opportunity for innovation right here in Maryland across a variety of clean energy alternatives, reducing both financial risk and total project costs.”

In addition, SEPA was recently selected to conduct a Regional Microgrid Study to support resilience efforts across the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Funded by the Kentucky Energy and Environment Cabinet as part of the U.S. Department of Energy State Energy Program (SEO) grants, the study aims to identify the potential of microgrids to provide added resilience across Kentucky. The outcome of this study aims to spur private-sector investment and future development.

“SEPA is pleased to continue collaborating with state governments like Kentucky in identifying deployment opportunities for microgrids for hazard risk mitigation and resilience planning,” said Jared Leader, Manager, Industry Strategy at SEPA.