Wayne County Picks e2Companies for NY Microgrid Project

Wayne County, New York, has selected e2Companies, a provider of integrated power generation and energy distribution solutions, to design and implement a comprehensive microgrid and energy resiliency project for the Wayne County Campus in Lyons. The initiative represents another step in the growing effort by local governments across the United States to modernize public infrastructure, strengthen energy security, and ensure that essential government services remain operational during power outages and grid disruptions.

The project will deliver a turnkey microgrid solution that combines advanced energy management technologies with resilient backup power capabilities. Once completed, the system will help the county maintain uninterrupted operations at critical public facilities while improving energy efficiency and creating a flexible foundation for future energy expansion.

Comprehensive Turnkey Energy Solution

As the project’s primary technology partner, e2Companies will oversee every phase of development, including system planning, engineering, construction, equipment commissioning, performance monitoring, and long-term operational support. By managing the project from concept through ongoing operations, the company aims to provide Wayne County with a fully integrated solution that minimizes implementation risks while ensuring long-term reliability.

Supporting the initiative are two additional organizations that bring specialized expertise to the project. 34 Group will serve as construction manager, coordinating on-site building activities and ensuring the project progresses according to schedule. ZoKa Solutions will provide project management and delivery oversight, helping coordinate execution and ensuring all project objectives are met efficiently.

Together, the three organizations will work to develop a resilient energy infrastructure capable of supporting essential county operations regardless of external grid conditions.

Strengthening Critical Public Infrastructure

Reliable electricity has become increasingly important for local governments responsible for providing emergency services, public safety operations, administrative functions, and community support. Even short-term power interruptions can affect communications, emergency response capabilities, information technology systems, and public services that residents depend upon every day.

The new microgrid is designed to address these challenges by creating an energy system that can continue supplying power even when the traditional utility grid experiences disruptions.

James Richmond, Chief Executive Officer of e2Companies, emphasized the importance of dependable electricity for public-sector organizations.

According to Richmond, reliable power forms the foundation for delivering essential government services. He noted that Wayne County is taking a forward-looking approach by investing in infrastructure that strengthens operational resilience, improves energy reliability, and enhances the county’s ability to respond effectively during grid outages and other emergency situations.

He also expressed pride in partnering with Wayne County on an initiative that supports long-term community resilience.

Evaluating Present and Future Energy Needs

A significant component of the project involves conducting a comprehensive assessment of Wayne County’s current energy requirements while also planning for future demand.

Rather than simply installing backup generation equipment, e2Companies will evaluate how county facilities consume electricity today and how future expansion, modernization efforts, and changing operational requirements could affect energy consumption over time.

This long-term planning approach enables the microgrid to support both immediate operational needs and future infrastructure development without requiring extensive redesign.

As government facilities increasingly adopt electric vehicles, digital technologies, advanced communications systems, and energy-efficient equipment, electrical demand patterns continue to evolve. Planning for these future requirements allows Wayne County to build an adaptable energy platform capable of supporting continued growth.

Virtual Utility Platform to Enhance Energy Management

Central to the project is the deployment of e2Companies’ Virtual Utility® platform.

The platform is designed to coordinate multiple energy resources into a single intelligent operating system capable of monitoring power flows, optimizing electricity consumption, and improving overall system resilience.

Instead of relying exclusively on utility power, the Virtual Utility platform manages interactions between utility electricity, onsite energy resources, and backup systems to ensure power remains available under changing conditions.

The technology continuously evaluates system performance while helping operators make informed energy management decisions based on real-time operating conditions.

R3Di System Provides Continuous Conditioned Power

The project will also include installation of e2Companies’ R3Di® system, which provides conditioned electrical power around the clock.

The system performs several important functions, including:

Delivering continuous conditioned electricity to critical facilities.
Supporting seamless transitions between utility power and onsite energy resources.
Maintaining uninterrupted operations during utility disturbances.
Improving overall power quality.
Enhancing operational reliability for county infrastructure.

Rather than allowing interruptions during power source transitions, the system is designed to maintain continuous electrical service while automatically shifting between available energy resources as operating conditions change.

This capability is especially valuable for facilities where even brief outages can interrupt essential government operations.

Intelligent Optimization Through Grove365

Another major technology component of the project is integration with the Grove365® optimization network.

The Grove365 platform provides advanced analytics and intelligent optimization capabilities that continuously evaluate system performance.

Among its primary functions are:

Reducing peak electricity demand.
Supporting load shifting strategies.
Optimizing campus-wide energy performance.
Enabling participation in utility and grid service programs.
Delivering real-time operational analytics.
Improving overall system efficiency.

By actively managing energy consumption throughout the day, the optimization platform helps improve operational performance while supporting broader grid stability.

Rather than functioning solely as an emergency backup system, the microgrid becomes an actively managed energy asset capable of delivering operational value every day.

Building a Foundation for Future Growth

Wayne County officials view the project as an investment not only in current infrastructure but also in future development.

Kevin Rooney, Superintendent of Public Works for Wayne County, stated that maintaining reliable public services remains one of the county’s highest priorities. He explained that county leaders are committed to ensuring public facilities remain prepared for a wide range of operating conditions while continuing to provide dependable services to residents.

According to Rooney, the microgrid and resiliency solution developed by e2Companies will strengthen the county’s energy infrastructure while creating a flexible platform capable of supporting future modernization initiatives, facility expansion, and evolving operational requirements.

This flexibility becomes increasingly important as counties continue adopting new technologies and expanding public services.

Growing Focus on Energy Resilience

Wayne County’s investment reflects a broader national trend among municipalities and county governments seeking greater energy independence and infrastructure resilience.

Across the United States, public agencies are facing several common challenges, including:

Aging electrical infrastructure.
Increasing frequency of severe weather events.
Growing electricity demand.
Higher expectations for uninterrupted public services.
Rising cybersecurity concerns.
Greater emphasis on sustainability and energy efficiency.

These factors are encouraging local governments to invest in modern energy systems that improve reliability while reducing dependence on a single power source.

Microgrids have become an increasingly attractive solution because they combine resilience, operational flexibility, and intelligent energy management within a single integrated system.

Building on Regional Momentum

The Wayne County project also expands e2Companies’ presence across Western New York.

Jeffrey Bonerb, Vice President of Strategic Business Partnerships at e2Companies, said the partnership builds upon the company’s recent success in the region.

Following the commissioning of its Microgrid and Resiliency Solutions Project with Erie County, the company is now extending similar capabilities to Wayne County. Bonerb noted that collaboration with 34 Group has helped establish a strong local project team capable of delivering customized energy infrastructure solutions for communities throughout the region.

He added that the partnership demonstrates continued momentum as more municipalities seek resilient energy systems capable of supporting essential public services both today and well into the future.

Supporting the Future of Public Infrastructure

The Wayne County Campus microgrid project illustrates how local governments are shifting from traditional backup power approaches toward comprehensive energy resilience strategies.

Instead of viewing resilience as simply installing emergency generators, counties are increasingly investing in intelligent microgrid platforms that integrate advanced controls, real-time analytics, optimized energy management, and continuous operational support.

By combining the Virtual Utility platform, the R3Di conditioned power system, and Grove365 optimization technology, Wayne County aims to create an energy infrastructure that enhances reliability, improves operational efficiency, and supports long-term modernization.

As climate-related disruptions, aging infrastructure, and increasing electricity demands continue to reshape public-sector energy planning, projects like this demonstrate how advanced microgrid technologies are becoming an essential component of resilient government operations. The collaboration between e2Companies, Wayne County, 34 Group, and ZoKa Solutions represents a proactive investment in infrastructure designed to ensure continuity of public services while preparing the county for future energy challenges.

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