Project Groundwork

Groundwork Data Cost-Benefit Model Research

The shift in infrastructure and energy planning presents clear chances for positive change. Instead of pouring resources back into old gas systems, we can gain substantial benefits, such as cost savings, better health outcomes, and rectification of long-standing environmental inequities.

This project is dedicated to creating a high-level assessment tool from an existing analytical framework. The tool is purpose-built to model the shift from gas to electric at a granular segment level of the gas system.

With a multi-indicator geospatial assessment, the project will evaluate various types of data - public, municipal, utility, and proprietary. This approach supports strategic planning for a reliable and resilient energy transition.

We will examine unique and representative street segments across five distinct energy transition scenarios. The outcome will provide the university and city partners with targeted geographic areas to prioritize for equitable and resilient energy transition projects.

Groundwork Data, established in 2021, offers guidance, research, and technology services to expedite a clean, equitable, and resilient energy transition. By harnessing high-quality data and actionable intelligence, Groundwork fills crucial gaps in the energy transition landscape.

Image by Groundwork Data

This project is a collaboration between ETI and Groundwork Data, a sponsored non-profit public infrastructure research entity. Groundwork Data is led by Mike Bloomberg, Public Infrastructure Fellow at NewCities.

ETI collaborators on this project, past and present, include Professors Prashant Shenoy, Jimi Oke, and Jay Taneja; and former ETI Executive Director Anna Goldstein.

Support for this project comes from the American Public Power Association’s Demonstration of Energy & Efficiency Developments (DEED) program, via the Massachusetts Municipal Wholesale Electric Company (MMWEC).