Northern Power Systems Receives DOE Grant

Northern Power Systems, Inc. a subsidiary of Distributed Energy Systems Corp. (Nasdaq: DESC), has received a two-year grant of $600,000 from the US Department of Energy (DOE). It will be used to develop the company's MicroGrid power network in the area known as Mad River Park in Waitsfield, Vermont. Northern's MicroGrid system is an advanced power network solution that incorporates distributed generation, energy storage, and load management subsystems into a highly reliable, efficient, and robust power system. MicroGrid power networks can operate either interconnected to or isolated from the overall utility distribution system, and can transition seamlessly between these operating modes with no interruption to the end user's electrical loads.

As the first implementation of the new distributed power solution, the Mad River Park MicroGrid power network is being undertaken in concert with the local electric power utility — the Washington Electric Cooperative (WEC) — and with the support of the Vermont Department of Public Service. The Mad River Park MicroGrid power network will serve customers residing in the park — approximately five businesses and 12 residential power users — which is also the site of Northern's headquarters.