The potential for Geothermal Energy Networks (GENs) or Thermal Energy Networks (TENs) to provide significant support to the electric grid has been proposed by numerous researchers and industry advocates (Buonocore, et al., 2022; Rodriguez et al., 2025, Simpson et al., 2025, Liu et al., 2023). To move to the next phase of quantifying the ability of these Networks to support the electric grid, HEET in partnership with Eversource Gas are launching a study to measure these grid impacts under a grant from the US Department of Energy. The grant, for which HEET is the primary recipient, is titled “DE-EE0010662.0002 Home Energy Efficiency Team Utility-Managed Geothermal Pilot in Framingham, Massachusetts”, and its main purpose is to install and deploy an ambient-loop geothermal network that will deliver building heating and cooling needs to a site in the Framingham neighborhood. The proposed distribution loop will be the first utility-led geothermal network that will connect to an adjacent operating geothermal network. The existing operating distribution loop, located on Concord St is referred to as the ‘Concord Loop’ and the proposed distribution loop will be referred to as the ‘Flagg Loop’, as it is located over Flagg Dr.

HEET is accepting proposals from qualified industry consultants primarily to measure, and to develop a robust methodology to measure, these electric grid impacts. Additionally, the proposals should identify pathways to monetize these electric grid impacts.
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