ISO New England Requests Voluntary Electricity Conservation

While the heat wave continues to steam us all, there is a request to minimize electricity use where possible. The following document makes several suggestions on how this could be accomplished:




This notice was originally posted to the Franklin website here
http://franklinma.virtualtownhall.net/Pages/FranklinMA_News/01B4E8F4-000F8513

Mount St Mary's - solar farm

The sisters of Mount St Mary's Abbey installed a wind turbine a couple of years ago. It helps to power their candy store operations.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2011/09/mount-st-marys-new-candy-house.html

You can purchase their candy on site or via their web store  http://www.trappistinecandy.com/

Mt St Mary's Abbey - wind turbine

The wind turbine in action as captured in a 2010 video
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2010/02/abbey-wind-turbine.html


Recently they signed an agreement with the Town of Franklin to install a solar farm. The Town Council voted in November 2012 to approve the deal.  http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/11/real-time-reporting-legislation.html

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm

I stopped by on Sunday to grab these photos of the construction underway for this solar farm.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 2

The frames are sturdy and follow the contour of the ground.  Completely installed the farm is reported to generate 6 megawatts of electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 3

The galvanized steel (?) is shining in the sunlight. When the panels are installed the sunlight will be generating electricity.

Mt St Mary's Abbey - solar farm 4

Additional links
http://www.franklinmatters.org/2012/07/its-win-win-for-town.html

Mount St Mary's Abbey = http://abbey.msmabbey.org/

National Grid invests $60M to prepare for severe weather seasons

I think it interesting to find this from the Providence area news and not yet reported on by MA news.

Sent to you by Steve Sherlock via Google Reader:

National Grid invests $60M to prepare for severe weather seasons

via PBN.com - Latest Stories by By PBN Staff Twitter: @ProvBusNews on 8/27/12

National Grid is investing $60 million in a new system to prepare for the severe weather season and make sure customers who lose power get it back more quickly.

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Nation Grid tree work to start

Posted on the Franklin, MA website:

Beginning in August, Asplundh Tree Company will be performing work on behalf of National Grid. Crews throughout town will be cutting, clearing, pruning and removing trees around electrical transmission lines. The work is expected to last into mid September. Any questions should be directed to National Grid Arborist David W. Donaghue at 508-482-1242.

National Grid provides power poorly

If you felt you lost power frequently, the report from National Grid has confirmed your experience, Coincidentally, our house briefly lost power during the day on Tuesday before the storms rolled through in the afternoon and evening.

Consistently underperforming feeders are ranked by DPU in a category called "Poor Performing Circuits." The ranking system allows DPU to monitor the feeders and address reliability issues they may be having. 

The report also addresses the amount of time Franklin residents were without power in those years. In 2010, the report says, the average Franklin resident lost electricity more frequently than any other National Grid customer in the state. 

Last year, Franklin residents were without power longer than the average customer — 2.5 days compared to 1.5 days — in part due to the damage caused by Tropical Storm Irene.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/news/x814447576/Franklin-officials-upset-with-National-Grid-report#ixzz21cn64q3o

In the News: Police, helicopters

Ashland Police sergeant hired by Franklin P.D.

by Laura Krantz/Daily News staff

National Grid will use copters for power line inspections in region

by GateHouse Media, Inc.

Alert: low flying helicopters Friday, May 18

From the Announcement page on the Franklin website:

Please be advised that on Friday, May 18th, National Grid will be conducting low-level distribution and sub-transmission helicopter patrols in the area. In case of inclement weather the patrols will be postponed until a later date.

"it doesn't show any sign of coming back"

Franklin Fire Chief Gary McCarraher said that as of this afternoon, 40 to 50 percent of Franklin is without power and his main concern has been ensuring residents have access to food and water. 

"The sewer and water system is functioning as designed, which is a blessing," said McCarraher. "The downtown Franklin restaurants are all open for business...We're pretty confident our people can get access to food." 

Residents without water can head to the Department of Public Works, at 257 Fisher St., or either fire station - 40 West Central St., or 600 King St. - with their own containers for water. 

Most of the traffic lights along Rte. 140 in Franklin are out, and stop signs affixed to barrels are set up at the intersections instead. McCarraher said he is meeting with National Grid, but that the DPW has opened all roads that are free of debris and downed wires. 

Although National Grid is working as fast as they can to restore power, it still is frustrating to some residents.

Read more: http://www.milforddailynews.com/archive/x1688627525/Area-towns-still-without-power-after-Irene#ixzz1WVL6OXAC

Powerless and lucky

We're powerless but lucky to have escaped with little tree damage from what was left of Hurricane Irene. The power went out about 1:00. We were prepared with batteries, candles and the Coleman camping lantern provides a great deal of light.

When the rain stopped we picked up most of the small branches and twigs dropped by the wind from the trees. It didn't take long to cut up the one large branch that fell into the street. We'll have some good fire wood for the winter!

The cell phone batteries were the first to die away. Depending upon when the power returns (today?), we may need to run the car to re-charge them a bit. I have sparingly used my netbook and broadband card so I have several hours of connection remaining.

We did take a walk around the neighborhood last night. It was a rare event to see no lights anywhere. If there was a light (from a passing car, or a candle in a house) the little light was very noticeable in the darkness.

I hope you all survived with a story or two to pass along.