Power to the people?

A microgrid generally operates while connected to a main grid, in this case at the Bay Park Sewage Plant. It can break off and operate on its own using local energy generation in times of crisis like storms or power outages. In East Rockaway, it may supply electricity to the post office, two LIRR stations, Village Hall, two schools, a firehouse, the DPW, and the library.

Diagram by Christina Daly/Herald

The Bay Park Sewage Treatment Plant was one of 14 locations on Long Island that have been approved by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority for a feasibility study of energy-dispersing microgrids.

A microgrid, a stand-alone energy system that can operate independently in the event of a power outage, would power parts of East Rockaway and Bay Park in emergencies. In addition to offering energy independence during power outages, microgrids can benefit utilities on days of high power demand by reducing the amount of energy drawn from the main grid — and providing additional power when needed.

A microgrid consists of nothing more than some switch gears set in a small building. It does not generate its own power, but rather sends the power of a main plant out to the community.

The location of the unit within the Bay Park plant is yet to be determined. It will be funded by a state grant that Nassau County, with assistance from United Water and the support of the Village of East Rockaway, has applied for as part of NYSERDA’s NY Prize competition, a new program designed to help communities create microgrids.

According to an announcement by Gov. Andrew Cuomo last week, $100,000 grants were awarded to a total of 83 communities around the state to support the projects. More than 130 cities, towns and villages submitted proposals for the grants. Other nearby municipalities that were chosen were the villages of Rockville Centre and Freeport, the city of Long Beach, and the Town of Hempstead.

“New Yorkers have firsthand experience regarding the need for resilient and efficient power systems that can withstand whatever Mother Nature has in store for us,” Cuomo said. “This funding will help communities across New York invest in these new systems, which will ensure critically important institutions such as police and fire stations, hospitals and schools can continue operating during and in the aftermath of an extreme weather event.”