Boaz got some electrical back-up, Tuesday, with the unveiling of Alliant Energy's Boaz Reliability Microgrid.

It's basically a large battery storage facility that can provide eight peak hours of energy use to Boaz if other forms of electrical transmission are cut off from the electrical grid.

“We're using new technology to enhance reliability,” Cindy Tomlinson, manager of external communications for Alliant Energy, said. “A lot of research went into where this was chosen to be located. If there's an energy outage here, it takes longer to get repaired. By placing the microgrid here, the result is a lower outage time.”

This microgrid is a first-of-its kind pilot project in Wisconsin that functions as a small-scale power grid with islanding capability. This ability to disconnect from the traditional grid and deliver power from a battery storage system will help keep the community of Boas operating independently in the event of an outage.

The microgrid is in the town of Dayton and the battery size is 400 kW/3,200 kWh.

Susie Hauri, clerk/treasurer of Boaz said a village pump system has been working better since the microgrid was installed.

“People are the happiest when their basic needs are met,” Hauri said. “This just helps make that happen. People will sleep better at night when they have electricity even if it's provided by a battery.”

Tony Palese, the senior communications partner with Alliant Energy, said the switch from the grid to the battery system is “seamless.”

Palese said the project cost about $5 million. The site of the battery microgrid system is south of the village and it's connected by an underground line.

As the electric grid continues to evolve, Alliant Energy has new and innovative solutions integrating emerging technologies, Palese said. They optimize resources such as wind, solar, traditional generation systems and battery storage. Overall such projects benefit customers by improving energy reliability and efficiency.

According to Alliant, The expansion of energy storage infrastructure is key to accelerating the transition to cleaner, more sustainable renewable energy.

Such projects over time will help keep energy demands balanced, reduce the need for traditional power grid updates, and increase security in the event of an outage or severe weather.

The Boaz Reliability Microgrid is just one of the advanced pilot projects Alliant Energy operates. This microgrid system is on the cutting edge of technical solutions in the energy industry.