The City Council of Gardner has taken a significant step towards enhancing its energy capacity by approving an upgrade for Unit 2 of its gas turbine system. This decision, made during the recent UAC meeting on January 2, 2025, aims to increase the output of the existing 15-megawatt turbines, potentially boosting their capacity by up to 20%.

The upgrade is expected to yield an increase of approximately 1.7 to 3 megawatts per turbine, although precise figures remain uncertain until further testing is conducted. City officials acknowledged that while there is confidence in the projected enhancements, current performance data is lacking, necessitating additional assessments to confirm the exact capacity increase.

In conjunction with the turbine upgrades, the city is negotiating a 25-year agreement with the Grand River Dam Authority (GRDA) to secure energy resources. This long-term partnership is anticipated to support the city's energy needs, particularly as it prepares for future growth and extreme weather scenarios over the next decade.

The council's decision reflects a proactive approach to energy management, aiming to ensure that Gardner can meet its increasing demands while also addressing potential challenges posed by climate change. As the city moves forward with these upgrades and agreements, residents can expect improved energy reliability and capacity in the coming years.