By Ally Lanasa, Staff Writer

Berlin’s new natural gas generator has been installed and will be commissioned at the power plant on William Street on Sept. 9.

(Aug. 27, 2020) Berlin officials have invested in a Caterpillar 2,000 KW EPA certified natural gas generator at the electrical power plant on William Street to replace a diesel generator that failed.

The electrical power plant consisted of five diesel generators that produced 10 MW of power.

“[The generators] are used for peak shaving at times of high loads on the grid when called upon by the utility, American Municipal Power,” stated a press release from the Berlin mayor and council.

Although the natural gas generator is more expensive than the diesel option, natural gas is more environmentally friendly.

“Natural gas burns significantly cleaner than diesel fuel, putting less pollutants in the atmosphere,” said Tim Lawrence, the electric utility director for Berlin. “The Town of Berlin, acting as good stewards of the environment, opted to invest in the natural gas system.”

In addition, the natural gas generator has an operating cost half that of the diesel option.

“Over time, this will allow the town to make up the initial first cost difference with lower fuel cost,” Lawrence said.

The complete project cost is about $1.5 million, Lawrence added.

“Carter Power Systems has completed the turnkey installation of this 2,000 KW EPA Certified natural gas genset,” the release stated.

Town Administrator Jeff Fleetwood said the new generator at the power plant will be commissioned on Sept. 9.