Correctional Sites In Enfield, Somers Now Using Solar Energy Systems

ENFIELD-SOMERS, CT — In a suite of projects that will generate millions in cost savings while delivering clean, renewable energy to the institutions, seven solar energy systems have been installed and are now operating at six of Connecticut’s correctional facilities.

Four of the sites are in Enfield: Enfield Correctional Institution (181 kilowatts), Carl Robinson Correctional Institution A (83 kilowatts), Carl Robinson Correctional Institution B (167 kilowatts) and Willard Correctional Institution (1 megawatt). The Osborn Correctional Institution in Somers (2.2 megawatts) is also included, as are a pair of facilities in Cheshire: the Cheshire Correctional Institution (2.4 megawatts) and Manson Youth Institution (2.2. megawatts).

Because correctional facilities operate nonstop 365 days a year, they are among the largest consumers of energy of all state-owned facilities. The seven systems will collectively deliver 8.3 megawatts of clean, renewable energy to the institutions, saving the state more than $11 million in energy costs over the lifetime of the panels and reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of approximately 5,000 metric tons annually.

"Installing solar energy systems at correctional facilities is a way that we can deliver cost savings in the operations of state government while also reducing our carbon footprint," Gov. Ned Lamont said in a written statement. "Correctional facilities provide a necessary public safety service for our communities, and their around-the-clock operations require a significant amount of energy to function. I am glad that we could get these projects completed and that our correctional facilities can begin taking advantage of the benefits of solar energy."

Department of Correction Commissioner Angel Quiros said, "With our 13 facilities operating on an around the clock basis 365 days a year, we are always looking for ways to reduce our energy costs. The fact that we can do so by utilizing a clean energy source is an added bonus."