Nantucket residents pay uncommonly high electricity rates because delivery of electricity to the island is costly and demand for it fluctuates widely by season. Accordingly, the goal of this report is to assess the feasibility of various smart grid scenarios and conservation initiatives that could reduce the cost and consumption of electricity island-wide. Based on our analysis of the associated benefits and costs, we concluded that a smart grid could conservatively save island residents up to $500,000 annually, and pay for itself in only five years. Understanding the pattern of use on Nantucket and the potential of smart grids, we recommend seeking further consultation.

• This report represents the work of one or more WPI undergraduate students submitted to the faculty as evidence of completion of a degree requirement. WPI routinely publishes these reports on its website without editorial or peer review.

Creator

• Hesler, Mary Patricia
• Beliveau, Andrew Michael
• Sigety, Katharine Coyler
• Jaskolka, Stephen Michael

Subject

• Infrastructure
• Energy
• Community
• Sustainability

Publisher

• Worcester Polytechnic Institute

Identifier

• E-project-121610-132737

Keyword

• Electric power distribution
• Sustainability
• Energy policy
• Energy conservation

Advisor

• Golding, Dominic

Year

• 2010

Center

• Nantucket, Massachusetts Project Center - IQP

Sponsor

• Nantucket Energy Study Committee

Date created

• 2010-12-16

Location

• Nantucket

Resource type

• Interactive Qualifying Project

Rights statement

• In Copyright