Wakefield Unveils Battery System to Keep Schools Running in Outages

WAKEFIELD, MA — A new battery energy storage system in Wakefield is expected to keep two high schools running during power outages while saving local ratepayers an estimated $20 million, according to a statement from Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department.

The 5-megawatt system began operating this week. It's located at Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department’s Energy Park. The project was developed by Lightshift Energy in partnership with the utility and the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company.

The system will provide clean backup power to Wakefield Memorial High School and Northeast Metropolitan Regional Vocational High School.

Officials say the battery will replace the need for diesel generators, cut peak demand on the grid and help fully electrify the schools. That means both buildings will have clean heating and cooling year-round.

“Energy storage was our first choice when identifying a more cost-effective and renewable solution to power the schools,” Wakefield Municipal Gas and Light Department General Manager Peter Dion said.

The project also positions the schools to serve as emergency community shelters. By reducing strain on the grid during extreme weather, it aims to boost local resilience as New England faces growing electricity demand.

Wakefield has been an early adopter of battery technology, installing its first storage system in 2019. The new installation is the third of its kind in Massachusetts, part of a statewide effort projected to save residents more than $200 million.

Lightshift also donated $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of MetroNorth to help create an Energy Education Center.