WMECo Solar Program Receives National Award

Western Massachusetts Electric Company’s (WMECo) Silver Lake Solar Facility has received the Photovoltaic Projects of Distinction Award from the Solar Electric Power Association (SEPA) and the Solar Energy Industries Association (SEIA).

Located in Pittsfield, Massachusetts, the Silver Lake Solar Facility is one of three award recipients selected from more than 150 submissions. The recipient projects are required to be operational and demonstrate collective community benefit and innovative use of public policy and financing.

The award recognizes WMECo’s achievement in working closely with its contractors, the Pittsfield Economic Development Authority, the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection and other key stakeholders to redevelop eight acres of brownfield floodplain land into a renewable energy facility. Consisting of over 6,500 ground-mounted photovoltaic panels, the 1.8 MW facility accommodates a variety of complex permitting restrictions.

American Capital Energy handled the design and installation using Suntech panels. Weston & Sampson provided environmental engineering services. More than 40 local union craft workers helped to successfully construct the facility in less than six months.

"It is very gratifying to receive recognition from two of the solar industry’s preeminent organizations. The Silver Lake facility is a shining example of what a public-private partnership can accomplish to stimulate the developing solar industry and help meet the Commonwealth’s renewable energy objectives” said Peter J. Clarke, president and chief operating officer of WMECo.

The Silver Lake facility is the first project completed under WMECo’s program to build up to 6MW of solar facilities in western Massachusetts. The Company is currently evaluating similar projects in Springfield, Massachusetts.

Western Massachusetts Electric Company, a Northeast Utilities company (NYSE:NU), serves approximately 210,000 customers in 59 communities throughout western Massachusetts and is committed to the environment, economic development and the health of the communities it serves. For more information about WMECo, visit our website at www.wmeco.com.