Three-year pilot to explore if innovative geothermal network can more efficiently meet heating and cooling needs of densely populated, mixed-use community

BOSTON, MASS. (January 26, 2022) – As part of their shared commitment to advancing clean energy technologies that will help reduce carbon emissions and provide long-term benefits to customers, Eversource and the City of Framingham are launching an innovative geothermal pilot project, with construction expected to begin by mid-2022. The pilot will explore if a geothermal network can be used to more efficiently and cost-effectively provide reliable heating and cooling to approximately 100 Eversource residential and commercial customers in the Concord Street neighborhood of Framingham.

“Eversource is all in on a clean energy future, and we’re excited about our geothermal pilot with the City of Framingham to explore how a shared geothermal network can reliably and more efficiently serve a local neighborhood with a diverse group of customers,” said Eversource President of Gas Operations Bill Akley. “Geothermal technology is an innovative way to provide clean and sustainable heating and cooling for customers, which also has great potential to help meet the commonwealth’s leading carbon-reduction goals. We look forward to close collaboration with the city as we work to bring the benefits of this innovative geothermal project to our customers in Framingham, as well as continued efforts with our partners across the state and region in working together toward a decarbonized future.”

“The City of Framingham supports the development of local clean energy resources that can reduce our carbon footprint and provide long-term benefits to residents and businesses. We are enthusiastic to work with Eversource to bring an innovative shared geothermal network to Framingham that will help advance the local sustainability and resiliency of our community,” said Mayor Charlie Sisitsky.

Approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities in October 2020, Eversource’s pilot will explore if a geothermal network can be used instead of or in combination with traditional energy sources like natural gas, air source heat pumps, or delivered fuels such as heating oil or propane, and is focused on serving a diverse group of customers – from single- and multi- residential and commercial – within a dense neighborhood. Geothermal technology works by transferring heat to and from underground wells into homes and businesses using heat pumps, which is both cost-effective and more efficient.

Located in the heart of the MetroWest, the City of Framingham is committed to building a more sustainable and resilient community for its diverse stakeholders. To meet its target of achieving net zero emissions by 2050, the City has been working to reduce its energy consumption and carbon footprint, support the development of local clean energy resources, and empower community members with opportunities to make their homes and businesses more sustainable. Development of the pilot in Framingham reflects the City’s active participation in the Commonwealth’s Green Communities Program and complements its recent renewable energy projects, clean energy resiliency planning efforts, and community engagement activities centered on energy efficiency and electrification.

For more information on geothermal and Eversource’s efforts to help achieve regional carbon-reduction goals, visit Eversource.com.

Eversource (NYSE: ES), celebrated as a national leader for its corporate citizenship, is the #1 energy company in Newsweek’s list of America’s Most Responsible Companies for 2021 and recognized as one of America’s Most JUST Companies. Eversource transmits and delivers electricity and natural gas and supplies water to 1.8 million customers throughout Massachusetts, including approximately 1.45 million electric customers in 142 communities, 635,000 gas customers in 110 communities, and 6,700 water customers in two communities. Eversource harnesses the commitment of approximately 9,300 employees across three states to build a single, united company around the mission of safely delivering reliable energy and water with superior customer service. The #1 energy efficiency provider in the nation, the company is empowering a clean energy future in the Northeast, with nationally recognized energy efficiency solutions and successful programs to integrate new clean energy resources like solar, offshore wind, electric vehicles and battery storage, into the electric system. For more information, please visit eversource.com, and follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. For more information on our water services, visit aquarionwater.com.

CONTACT:
Chris McKinnon
617-424-2108
christopher.r.mckinnon@eversource.com

William Hinkle
603-634-2228
william.hinkle@eversource.com