Ridgway, CO – The Town of Ridgway is excited to announce that the Space to Create Resilience Hub Microgrid Project has been completed. The Project was a collaboration between the Town of Ridgway, local, not-for-profit electric cooperative, San Miguel Power Association (“SMPA”), Alternative Power Enterprises, Inc., and Artspace Projects, Inc. 

Thanks to the new microgrid infrastructure, which includes battery storage and solar photovoltaics, the community space on the first floor, commonly known as the Decker Community Room, can now serve as a Community Resilience Hub during electric utility power outages caused by natural disasters or extreme weather events. The Project was made possible by Town General Fund dollars and a grant award, applied for and administered by SMPA, through the Colorado Department of Local Affairs’ (DOLA) Microgrids for Community Resilience Program Alternative Power Enterprises was chosen by the Town through a competitive solicitation process to install the solar/storage microgrid emergency power system to provide electrical resilience to the 2,000 square foot Decker Community Room.

"We know the key to successfully navigating hazard events is preparedness. This Space to Create Resilience Hub will serve as a community center for day-to-day operations, plus shelter and vital infrastructure for key resources during a grid disruption. I am proud to have awarded over $23 million in Microgrids for Community Resilience funds to strengthen communities like Ridgway through the continuity of critical operations," said Maria De Cambra, Executive Director, Department of Local Affairs.  This Community Resilience Hub is designed to be an accessible and equitable facility where community members can access essential resources and information during times of need. With the Project complete, this location will provide basic needs and supplies, shelter from the elements, access to power and device charging, and free wi-fi.

“This is an incredible accomplishment for the Town. The benefits provided by locally produced solar energy, right in the middle of downtown Ridgway, as well as the resiliency afforded by the implementation of the battery-supported microgrid system, are a phenomenal benefit to our community.” said John I. Clark, mayor of Ridgway. “Sustainability and resiliency are key goals identified in the Town’s Master Plan, and we’re excited to have contributed to the achievement of one of our strategic goals: the reduction of locally produced greenhouse gasses through increased use of renewable energy and emerging technologies.”

For questions about the project, contact Preston Neill, Town Manager at pneill@town.ridgway.co.us or 970-626-5308, ext. 212.