Central Hudson Gas & Electric wants to test the market for complex microgrids in a project with NRG Energy that may span as many as 50 buildings. The New York utility described the project in a recent filing before the state Public Service Commission. It is one of the seven projects offered by Central Hudson to help the state develop its … [Read more...]
Don’t Wait. Get Going Now on Microgrids and Distributed Energy, say NY Regulators
December 15, 2014 By 5 Comments
Yes, the wheels of government turn slowly. But not in New York. Not this time. State regulators called on utilities and other stakeholders late last week to get to work now on microgrids and distributed energy demonstrations, rather than wait for final rules in its Reforming the Energy Vision, or REV process. REV promises to decentralize the … [Read more...]
Microgrid Growth: How Far, How Fast Since Superstorm Sandy?
November 3, 2014 By 5 Comments
When massive storms hit, we get religion. Superstorm Sandy was that kind of storm. States along the US East Coast emerged from the wreckage two years ago this week with a new devotion to creating a more resilient electric system. Where the central grid failed, microgrids kept the lights on. So government leaders, businesses, and even some … [Read more...]
Should New York Be Wary of Utility Monopolies in Distributed Energy?
September 4, 2014 By 7 Comments
Should New York let utilities both manage and compete in the distributed energy market the state is planning? That's one of the big questions the industry is debating in New York's “Reforming the Energy Vision,” or REV. The Department of Public Service last week confirmed its intent to let utilities act as the distributed grid operator in a … [Read more...]
Industry Insiders _Not_ Surprised that Utilities Like Microgrids
July 28, 2014 By 5 Comments
So it turns out that utilities like microgrids, contrary to the notion – almost lore – that they dread them as economic disruptors or technical headaches. In fact, utilities view microgrids as a business opportunity. That was the finding of a recent project that I had the pleasure of working on with the nice folks at Utility Dive, who … [Read more...]
New York Utility Seeks Approval to Offer Microgrid Subscriptions
July 28, 2014 By 4 Comments
Central Hudson Gas & Electric is seeking approval to offer microgrid subscriptions, as part of a $46 million rate hike request filed with state regulators July 25. The New York utility would design, build and operate microgrids at the request of customers, who would pay a fee for the service on their utility bills. The fee would be … [Read more...]
