LYNN — The city and National grid announced a Community Solutions partnership to create a new full-time Energy Manager position to address clean energy and sustainability.
The Energy Manager’s duty will be “to help support the city’s efforts to advance clean energy initiatives and sustainability goals,” according to a press release. It will “identify and implement energy-saving measures, enhance the city’s overall energy efficiency, and help the community reach their decarbonization goals.” The Energy Manager will involve residents and small businesses through community outreach programs aimed to implement energy efficiency measures and initiatives and reduce energy burden.
The partnership is funded by a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) grant through the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) awarded to National Grid in 2023. The money will fund the city’s new position and provide aid to take “significant steps forward in achieving environmental and energy efficiency objectives.”
“The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (IIJA) was designed to provide states, cities, and towns across the country with the tools to combat the effects of climate change, bolster resiliency, and build infrastructure fit for 21st century challenges,” U.S. Rep. Seth Moulton said.
“I was proud to help get the IIJA passed into law a few years ago, which makes it even more amazing to see its tangible effects taking root in Lynn. By investing in dedicated local resources, like this new Energy Manager position, we’re helping Lynn achieve its clean energy goals, which will have far-reaching positive impacts,” Moulton said. “Billions in federal funds have already been allocated to Massachusetts because of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. This funding will be critical to finally modernize our old and, in some cases, crumbling infrastructure. This is an investment for everyone in the Commonwealth.”
“Lynn has been committed to addressing climate change and pursuing initiatives that reduce carbon emissions across the community,” Mayor Jared C. Nicholson said in the release. “We look forward to working with partners such as National Grid to move this agenda forward to achieve a greener City for all.”
The Community Solutions partnership supports the “ongoing commitment to economic growth and climate change mitigation, as well as the desire to lead by example to achieve a vibrant, cost- effective, clean energy future,” according to the release.
The priorities of the agreement’s first year include energy efficiency improvements to schools, municipal buildings, small businesses, and residential properties, in order to help reduce annual utility and maintenance costs, improve operations, and reduce carbon emissions and adverse environmental impacts.
“National Grid is proud to partner with the City of Lynn on this critical initiative, and we look forward to years of continued collaboration,” President of National Grid New England Lisa Wieland said. “By working together, we can leverage resources and expertise to create lasting change that benefits our communities and environment.
