Fort McCoy will celebrate the opening of a new $1.4 million microgrid and battery backup system with a ribbon-cutting ceremony Tuesday, May 19th at 11 a.m. near the installation’s Main Gate.
The project was completed through a partnership between U.S. Army Garrison-Fort McCoy and Xcel Energy. Officials say the new microgrid can keep key facilities near the Main Gate operating for at least 14 days if the main power grid goes down.
The system is also expected to save about $20,000 annually during peak energy demand periods and can continue powering the Main Gate independently when outside electricity is unavailable.
The ceremony will feature remarks from Fort McCoy Senior Commander Major General Joseph Ricciardi and Garrison Commander Colonel Sheyla Baez Ramirez.