BOSTON—State Senator Stephen M. Brewer (D-Barre), and State Representatives Geraldo Alicea (D-Charlton) and Anne M. Gobi (D-Spencer) announced today that Bay Path Regional Technical High School has received a $399,000 grant from the Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program. The grant will help fund the installation of a 900kW Wind Turbine on the school premises, which is expected to yield an 86.9% reduction in the district’s dependence on outside sources for its electricity.

“This grant will literally equate to better resources for students. Money previously spent on ever-rising electricity costs can now be diverted back to the classroom,” said Senator Brewer. “Superintendent Papagni and his staff at Bay Path are to be congratulated for pursuing this grant award, which will reap benefits for years to come."

“I am thrilled to hear that this grant was awarded to Bay Path to pursue the installation of a Wind Turbine on campus,” said Representative Alicea. “Not only will a wind generator at Bay Path help the school reduce the size of its carbon footprint by providing a source of clean and renewable energy, but it will also save the school district money on energy costs, which will enable it to retain valuable teachers and staff”.

Also commenting on the grant award, Representative Gobi stated, “This is a great example of Sate and Community collaboration where everyone benefits from the use of sustainable energy."

The 900 kW Wind Turbine to be constructed on the Bay Path Regional Technical High School campus is expected to significantly reduce electricity costs for the school, as most of the electricity generated will be consumed behind the meter and the balance will be eligible for net-metering. In addition, the project will provide a valuable educational tool for the students and community. The students that attend the school will learn the benefits of renewable energy, gain a firsthand knowledge of the wind project, and will ultimately take essential job related skills and experience into their professional lives. 

The goal of the Commonwealth Wind Incentive Program (Comm Wind) is to assist responsibly-sited wind projects of all scales to achieve successful and efficient installation, while supporting Governor Patrick’s goal of 2,000 megawatts (MW) of wind power capacity installed throughout the state by 2020. Qualifying projects for the grant seek to provide a minimum of 100kW of power and are sited on commercial, industrial, institutional or public lands.

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