Eaton Helps Power Connecticut’s First All-Electric, Future Net-Zero Public Library
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microgridtechnical
A microgrid is a small, local electricity system that combines power sources (like solar panels, small generators) and storage (batteries) with controls so it can run either connected to the main utility grid or on its own during outages. For investors, microgrids matter because they reduce outage risk, can lower energy costs, enable new revenue streams (selling excess power or grid services), and reflect growing demand for resilient, decentralized energy infrastructure.
grid-interactivetechnical
Grid-interactive describes electrical equipment or systems that can both use power from the utility grid and send power back into it, similar to a two-way street for electricity. Investors care because grid-interactive devices—such as solar inverters, batteries, or smart appliances—can create new revenue streams (selling energy or grid services), cut operating costs, and qualify for incentives or contracts tied to reliability and demand management, affecting a company's earnings and growth prospects.
battery storagetechnical
Battery storage is a system that stores electricity in large rechargeable batteries so power can be used later, like a reusable fuel tank for the grid. Investors care because it smooths out when energy is available vs. when it’s needed, can lower costs, create new revenue from selling stored power at peak times, and reduce reliance on unpredictable energy sources, affecting utility and clean-energy company valuations.
photovoltaics (PV)technical
Photovoltaics (PV) are systems that convert sunlight directly into electricity using panels made of semiconductor materials, like solar cells. Investors care because PV turns sunlight into a predictable stream of energy and potential revenue—similar to buying a machine that produces a saleable product—so its costs, efficiency, lifespan, and policy incentives affect a company’s earnings, asset value and long-term growth prospects.
battery energy storage system (BESS)technical
A battery energy storage system (BESS) is a large-scale setup that stores electricity in rechargeable batteries and releases it when needed, like a giant rechargeable battery for the power grid. It matters to investors because it helps smooth out supply and demand, capture surplus renewable power, provide backup and short-term grid services that can earn recurring revenue, and can boost the value of generation and transmission assets as demand for flexible energy grows.
zero net energy (ZNE)technical
Zero net energy (ZNE) describes a building or project that, over the course of a year, produces as much clean energy as it consumes through a combination of energy-saving design and on-site or off-site renewable generation. Think of it like a household whose annual electricity bill is offset entirely by the power it generates. For investors, ZNE can mean lower and more predictable operating costs, reduced exposure to energy price swings and regulations, stronger tenant demand, and potential access to policy incentives or higher asset values.
EV chargingtechnical
EV charging is the process of replenishing an electric vehicle’s battery using an external power source, ranging from a standard home outlet (slow, like topping off a phone overnight) to high-power public chargers (fast, like a gas pump). For investors, the availability, speed and cost of charging shape how quickly electric vehicles are adopted and create opportunities and risks across utilities, charging network operators, real estate, and automakers, similar to how gas stations supported the growth of combustion cars.
Grid-interactive building with microgrid, EV charging and battery storage reduces electricity costs and supports grid resilience
Eaton highlights the strategies powering the next era of American energy infrastructure at the Reuters Energy LIVE 2025 event
PITTSBURGH--(BUSINESS WIRE)--
Intelligent power management company Eaton will deliver a clean energy microgrid for the new Manchester Public Library in Connecticut to support affordable, resilient and sustainable power. The library will be the first newly constructed building in the state to implement grid-interactive renewables, battery storage and electric vehicle (EV) charging — helping maximize energy savings and reduce strain on the local electric grid. Scheduled for completion in 2026, the project aims to achieve zero net energy (ZNE) ready status.
Eaton to deliver clean energy microgrid for new Manchester Public Library in Connecticut supporting affordable, resilient and sustainable power. Architect’s renderings courtesy of the Town of Manchester, Conn.
Using its Buildings as a Grid approach that enables flexible energy systems, Eaton is empowering the Town of Manchester to strategically balance energy production and consumption while enhancing grid flexibility. Eaton will synchronize the onsite renewables, energy storage and EV charging with local energy markets, allowing the library to optimize energy usage and enabling the utility to better manage peak demand and support the grid.
“The new Manchester Public Library showcases how smart energy management can reduce costs and demand on the grid while optimizing resilience and sustainability,” said Paul Ryan, vice president and general manager of energy transition at Eaton. “We’re confident our proven intelligent power management solutions and expertise will benefit the Town of Manchester and its residents for decades to come.”
Eaton will enable the library to leverage 370 kilowatts (kW) of solar photovoltaics (PV) and battery storage to generate carbon-friendly power and reduce electricity costs. The company is delivering electrical infrastructure, turnkey engineering services and return on investment (ROI) modeling for the project. With its microgrid control solution and grid-interactive xStorageTM battery energy storage system (BESS), Eaton will help the library maximize onsite solar consumption and export excess electricity to support grid stability. Additionally, Eaton is leveraging its industry-first EV charging partnership with ChargePoint to provide vehicle charging infrastructure that helps intelligently reduce costs, effectively manage site power requirements and enhance reliability.
“Our community overwhelmingly supports our investment in this state-of-the-art library as a beacon of sustainability, innovation and education,” said Steve Stephanou, town manager at the Town of Manchester. “Eaton’s forward-thinking solutions and strong relationships with the project team have been essential to turn our goal of building Connecticut’s first net-zero public library into reality.”
The project is supported by federal tax credits, state and local funding, and incentives provided through the Energy Storage Solutions program. This program is overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA), is paid for by electric ratepayers, and is administered by the Connecticut Green Bank, Eversource, and the United Illuminating Company (UI). Learn more about how Eaton is helping electrify the grid-interactive buildings of the future.
Angie McMillin, president of Energy Solutions and Services at Eaton, will deliver a keynote focused on the strategies supporting quick onsite power delivery, energy resilience and sustainability during the Reuters Energy LIVE event in Houston on December 9. The session will spotlight the new Manchester Library project and how it is advancing affordable, reliable and sustainable power.
Eaton is an intelligent power management company dedicated to protecting the environment and improving the quality of life for people everywhere. We make products for the data center, utility, industrial, commercial, machine building, residential, aerospace and mobility markets. We are guided by our commitment to do business right, to operate sustainably and to help our customers manage power ─ today and well into the future. By capitalizing on the global growth trends of electrification and digitalization, we’re helping to solve the world’s most urgent power management challenges and building a more sustainable society for people today and generations to come.
Founded in 1911, Eaton has continuously evolved to meet the changing and expanding needs of our stakeholders. With revenues of nearly $25 billion in 2024, the company serves customers in more than 160 countries. For more information, visit www.eaton.com. Follow us on LinkedIn.
