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Henderson, Nev. – The city of Henderson is undergoing a $2.85 million equipment retrofit and replacement that will result in sustained energy savings for the city. Reduced energy costs savings of an estimated $250,000 will be realized on an annual basis. The conversion of traffic signals to light emitting diodes (LEDs) alone will reduce traffic light baseline energy consumption by more than 92 percent. Overall, the energy retrofitting will lower gas consumption by more than 17,200 therms per year and decrease electric consumption by over 2,877,500 kilowatt hours per year. By comparison, the annual monthly average natural gas usage for a single family residence is 41 therms and a typical residential customer uses an average of 1,250 kilowatt hours of power a month. The conversions will save the equivalent gas usage in 35 homes and electric usage in over 190 homes. “Energy is a critical issue for all of us. As a city, it is incumbent on us to do everything we can to ensure we’re being proactive in looking at and implementing those technologies and advances that will help us be more efficient in how we manage our power use,” said Henderson Mayor James B. Gibson. “This is a tremendous effort that will help us lower our natural gas usage, decrease our power consumption and will save significant taxpayer dollars as well.” There are three energy retrofitting projects within the overall project scope: 1) remote power management to reduce computer energy demands in off-peak hours in city facilities; 2) Robert A. Swadell Justice Facility retrofitting to include installation of new boilers, lighting controls, water conservation measures, and energy management control system for HVAC; and 3) traffic signal conversions from incandescent lamps to energy saving LEDs. The conversion efforts will also do away with 3,304 tons of carbon dioxide, 8 tons of sulfur dioxide and 8 tons of nitrous oxides related to the reduced energy consumption. The energy retrofit project was made possible through the passage of AB398 during the 2003 Nevada Legislative Session, enabling local governments to contract with energy service companies (ESCOs) to finance operational cost savings programs guaranteed through monthly operational cost savings as outlined in NRS 332.3000 to 332.440. To safeguard potential program abuses and protect taxpayer dollars, AB398 requires the hiring of a third-party consultant to assist in the evaluation of proposals and ensure the feasibility of the proposed energy service providers conservation measures (ECMs). All ECMs related to the city of Henderson energy retrofit program were developed by Ameresco, an independent energy service provider with 30 years of experience and more than $3 billion in energy projects completed. “Ameresco is pleased to have been selected by the city of Henderson to be their energy services partner,” stated Paul S. Ira, Ameresco. “With such a long term agreement over the next ten years, it truly takes a partnership to make a program like this work and be successful.” The conversion of traffic signals in 62 intersections is currently underway. The project began in October 2006 and is estimated to be completed in April. # # # Contacts: Ameresco: CarolAnn Hibbard, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com

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Across the world, extreme weather events pose an increased risk to public safety by damaging vital infrastructure and evoking widespread power outages. In the U.S., these disasters racked up more than $182 billion in damages in 2024, as wildfires, hurricanes and winter storms wreaked havoc across the nation. Concurrently, rising power demands from industrial activity, computing growth and electrified transit are pushing the grid to capacity. With 95% of utility leaders warning that extreme weather and rising demand will jeopardize grid reliability over the next decade, energy and infrastructure leaders must act now to fortify a more secure, resilient energy future. Microgrids are a flexible, cost-effective solution to these evolving energy challenges. They empower organizations, communities and municipalities to take greater control of their energy supply through renewable power generation and storage to leverage distributed energy resources at the customer site. Here, they take on flexible roles both in interacting with the utility grid and by providing energy to the host customer when the utility can’t. Microgrids play a crucial role in facilitating energy conservation and decreasing overall emissions by optimizing the amount and timing of customer energy consumption. They not only support sustainability, but importantly, they can also be a key driver in securing our energy future. Securing energy resources in uncertain times At its core, the focal feature of microgrids is coordinating onsite power generation to produce power for the customer independent of the main utility grid. But what does this feature mean in practice? Facilities with mission-critical operations, such as hospitals and military bases, can benefit from continuous and reliable power for life-saving medical care and disaster relief efforts. Where renewables are incorporated, this advantage is amplified by removing risk of interruptions in traditional fuel supply, such as interruptible gas, or fuel deliveries impacted by labor disputes, geopolitical developments, or local disruption of transportation by natural disasters. Cyberattacks pose a significant threat to energy systems, with U.S. utility providers facing an average of 69 weekly cyberattacks in 2024, a 70% increase from 2023. These risks are heightened by the evolving grid’s increased connectivity to cloud services and expanded visibility, creating more vulnerabilities for exploitation. Microgrids can mitigate these environmental and cybersecurity threats in two key ways. First, when microgrids are connected to the utility grid, they can integrate with renewable technologies like solar arrays to diversify energy sources, often with sources of energy closer to important loads than central utility plants. Second, when a local utility failure occurs and the microgrid is isolated, or “islanded,” from the utility, microgrids paired with battery energy storage systems can provide firm, continuous power. This inherent adaptation of microgrids to on and off grid operations allows customers and communities to adapt swiftly to disruptions, sustaining daily living amid broader grid failures. Driving real-world impact and overcoming challenges For communities impacted by environmental instability and energy insecurity, microgrids help public utilities and the federal sector reduce load on the legacy utility grid while supplying reliable power generation to the surrounding region. A notable example here is the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in Parris Island, South Carolina. As one of two recruit training facilities, continuity of mission and its related energy needs at MCRD PI are key to sustaining defense readiness and emergency and relief operations. The Marine Corps’ most comprehensive energy efficiency project, MCRD underwent major upgrades, including a microgrid installation that coordinates and dispatches on-site combined heat and power and backup generation, as well as on-site battery energy storage and solar generation. Each asset has unique capabilities and limitations, and the installed microgrid system effectively translates the site’s energy needs to the real time capabilities of each resource. A smart investment for utilities With the integration of advanced controls and scalable design, microgrids provide a cost-effective approach to extend the capabilities of conventional utility, optimizing the quality of power delivered, providing short term or permanent solutions for load growth, and for greater optionality during system contingencies. In O’ahu, Hawaii, this capability extension has been transformative, as 44% of Hawaiian households face hardship in the escalating cost of living. By expanding Hawaiian Electric’s energy portfolio to include renewables and distributed energy generation, microgrids reduce reliance on financially and environmentally costly legacy fuel sources. The dividends benefit both utility providers and consumers. Looking forward, as AI raises the bar for innovation, utility providers are keen to leverage newly available tools to maximize returns on energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. Microgrids are a prime candidate for AI-driven enhancements, such as advanced demand forecasting and predictive analytics to optimize performance and contingency readiness. Clean tech developers with microgrid fluency can deliver next-gen energy solutions, unlocking new value and intelligent, adaptable, resilient systems. Envisioning the energy future This year marks a decisive moment for energy efficiency and renewable energy as federal actions prioritize domestic production, affordability and access. Flexible technologies like microgrids will bridge the gap between economic growth and sustainable innovation. Amid evolving domestic and geopolitical landscapes, microgrids offer a reliable, cost-effective energy solution — advancing the nation toward energy independence and security for years to come. # Originally published on Utility Dive #

Henderson, Nev. – The city of Henderson is undergoing a $2.85 million equipment retrofit and replacement that will result in sustained energy savings for the city. Reduced energy costs savings of an estimated $250,000 will be realized on an annual basis. The conversion of traffic signals to light emitting diodes (LEDs) alone will reduce traffic light baseline energy consumption by more than 92 percent. Overall, the energy retrofitting will lower gas consumption by more than 17,200 therms per year and decrease electric consumption by over 2,877,500 kilowatt hours per year. By comparison, the annual monthly average natural gas usage for a single family residence is 41 therms and a typical residential customer uses an average of 1,250 kilowatt hours of power a month. The conversions will save the equivalent gas usage in 35 homes and electric usage in over 190 homes. “Energy is a critical issue for all of us. As a city, it is incumbent on us to do everything we can to ensure we’re being proactive in looking at and implementing those technologies and advances that will help us be more efficient in how we manage our power use,” said Henderson Mayor James B. Gibson. “This is a tremendous effort that will help us lower our natural gas usage, decrease our power consumption and will save significant taxpayer dollars as well.” There are three energy retrofitting projects within the overall project scope: 1) remote power management to reduce computer energy demands in off-peak hours in city facilities; 2) Robert A. Swadell Justice Facility retrofitting to include installation of new boilers, lighting controls, water conservation measures, and energy management control system for HVAC; and 3) traffic signal conversions from incandescent lamps to energy saving LEDs. The conversion efforts will also do away with 3,304 tons of carbon dioxide, 8 tons of sulfur dioxide and 8 tons of nitrous oxides related to the reduced energy consumption. The energy retrofit project was made possible through the passage of AB398 during the 2003 Nevada Legislative Session, enabling local governments to contract with energy service companies (ESCOs) to finance operational cost savings programs guaranteed through monthly operational cost savings as outlined in NRS 332.3000 to 332.440. To safeguard potential program abuses and protect taxpayer dollars, AB398 requires the hiring of a third-party consultant to assist in the evaluation of proposals and ensure the feasibility of the proposed energy service providers conservation measures (ECMs). All ECMs related to the city of Henderson energy retrofit program were developed by Ameresco, an independent energy service provider with 30 years of experience and more than $3 billion in energy projects completed. “Ameresco is pleased to have been selected by the city of Henderson to be their energy services partner,” stated Paul S. Ira, Ameresco. “With such a long term agreement over the next ten years, it truly takes a partnership to make a program like this work and be successful.” The conversion of traffic signals in 62 intersections is currently underway. The project began in October 2006 and is estimated to be completed in April. # # # Contacts: Ameresco: CarolAnn Hibbard, 508-661-2264, news@ameresco.com

Amid evolving domestic and geopolitical landscapes, microgrids offer a reliable, cost-effective energy solution — advancing the nation toward energy independence and security for years to come. Across the world, extreme weather events pose an increased risk to public safety by damaging vital infrastructure and evoking widespread power outages. In the U.S., these disasters racked up more than $182 billion in damages in 2024, as wildfires, hurricanes and winter storms wreaked havoc across the nation. Concurrently, rising power demands from industrial activity, computing growth and electrified transit are pushing the grid to capacity. With 95% of utility leaders warning that extreme weather and rising demand will jeopardize grid reliability over the next decade, energy and infrastructure leaders must act now to fortify a more secure, resilient energy future. Microgrids are a flexible, cost-effective solution to these evolving energy challenges. They empower organizations, communities and municipalities to take greater control of their energy supply through renewable power generation and storage to leverage distributed energy resources at the customer site. Here, they take on flexible roles both in interacting with the utility grid and by providing energy to the host customer when the utility can’t. Microgrids play a crucial role in facilitating energy conservation and decreasing overall emissions by optimizing the amount and timing of customer energy consumption. They not only support sustainability, but importantly, they can also be a key driver in securing our energy future. Securing energy resources in uncertain times At its core, the focal feature of microgrids is coordinating onsite power generation to produce power for the customer independent of the main utility grid. But what does this feature mean in practice? Facilities with mission-critical operations, such as hospitals and military bases, can benefit from continuous and reliable power for life-saving medical care and disaster relief efforts. Where renewables are incorporated, this advantage is amplified by removing risk of interruptions in traditional fuel supply, such as interruptible gas, or fuel deliveries impacted by labor disputes, geopolitical developments, or local disruption of transportation by natural disasters. Cyberattacks pose a significant threat to energy systems, with U.S. utility providers facing an average of 69 weekly cyberattacks in 2024, a 70% increase from 2023. These risks are heightened by the evolving grid’s increased connectivity to cloud services and expanded visibility, creating more vulnerabilities for exploitation. Microgrids can mitigate these environmental and cybersecurity threats in two key ways. First, when microgrids are connected to the utility grid, they can integrate with renewable technologies like solar arrays to diversify energy sources, often with sources of energy closer to important loads than central utility plants. Second, when a local utility failure occurs and the microgrid is isolated, or “islanded,” from the utility, microgrids paired with battery energy storage systems can provide firm, continuous power. This inherent adaptation of microgrids to on and off grid operations allows customers and communities to adapt swiftly to disruptions, sustaining daily living amid broader grid failures. Driving real-world impact and overcoming challenges For communities impacted by environmental instability and energy insecurity, microgrids help public utilities and the federal sector reduce load on the legacy utility grid while supplying reliable power generation to the surrounding region. A notable example here is the U.S. Marine Corps Recruit Depot (MCRD) in Parris Island, South Carolina. As one of two recruit training facilities, continuity of mission and its related energy needs at MCRD PI are key to sustaining defense readiness and emergency and relief operations. The Marine Corps’ most comprehensive energy efficiency project, MCRD underwent major upgrades, including a microgrid installation that coordinates and dispatches on-site combined heat and power and backup generation, as well as on-site battery energy storage and solar generation. Each asset has unique capabilities and limitations, and the installed microgrid system effectively translates the site’s energy needs to the real time capabilities of each resource. A smart investment for utilities With the integration of advanced controls and scalable design, microgrids provide a cost-effective approach to extend the capabilities of conventional utility, optimizing the quality of power delivered, providing short term or permanent solutions for load growth, and for greater optionality during system contingencies. In O’ahu, Hawaii, this capability extension has been transformative, as 44% of Hawaiian households face hardship in the escalating cost of living. By expanding Hawaiian Electric’s energy portfolio to include renewables and distributed energy generation, microgrids reduce reliance on financially and environmentally costly legacy fuel sources. The dividends benefit both utility providers and consumers. Looking forward, as AI raises the bar for innovation, utility providers are keen to leverage newly available tools to maximize returns on energy efficiency and renewable energy investments. Microgrids are a prime candidate for AI-driven enhancements, such as advanced demand forecasting and predictive analytics to optimize performance and contingency readiness. Clean tech developers with microgrid fluency can deliver next-gen energy solutions, unlocking new value and intelligent, adaptable, resilient systems. Envisioning the energy future This year marks a decisive moment for energy efficiency and renewable energy as federal actions prioritize domestic production, affordability and access. Flexible technologies like microgrids will bridge the gap between economic growth and sustainable innovation. Amid evolving domestic and geopolitical landscapes, microgrids offer a reliable, cost-effective energy solution — advancing the nation toward energy independence and security for years to come. # Originally published on Utility Dive # Latest News & Insights