Exploring Clean Energy Pilots
Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc. (CECONY)
Utility Thermal Energy Networks Pilot Projects
In July 2022, New York State passed the Utility Thermal Energy Networks and Jobs Act. Passage was followed by the New York State Public Service Commission’s (NYSPSC) September 2022 Order requiring the seven largest gas and combination (electric-gas) utilities to propose at least one, and up to five, Utility Thermal Energy Network (UTEN) pilot projects within their service territories. UTEN pilot projects must include at least two standalone existing buildings, and must use the thermal network for heating, domestic hot water, and possibly cooling. CECONY released a Request for Information, in which it is looking to the existing market for proposed ambient loop thermal network locations. CECONY will propose up to three pilot projects, designed to provide unique insights that will promote learning and future promulgation of rules pertaining to UTEN. The pilot projects will develop and test solutions that can be cost-effective and scalable in the long-term, by using new and innovative technologies that will be applied to CECONY’s unique dense, urban service area. At least one of the projects will be located in a disadvantaged community. The final selection of the proposed projects will be finalized in Q2 of 2023.
Orange and Rockland Utilities, Inc. (O&R)
Utility Thermal Energy Networks Pilot Projects
With respect to the Utility Thermal Energy Networks and Jobs Act, and the subsequent Public Service Commissionorder, O&R filed its Initial Proposal on October 7, 2022 and filed an update to its Initial Proposal on January 9, 2023. O&R’s proposal consists of two pilots: one to retrofit an existing community development and one to be installed in a new community development. O&R has released a Request for Information to gather responses on potential sites and interested initial customers for the UTEN pilots. Once the responses are compiled, O&R will select two partners to design the UTEN, one of which will be located in disadvantaged community. Following the detailed design of the UTEN, O&R will make a supplementary filing to the NYSPSC for funding approval.
Innovative Storage Business Model Demonstration project
As the State pursues 6,000 MW of energy storage by 2030, O&R’s Innovative Storage Business Model Demonstration project is evaluating the services that behind the meter (BTM)batteries can provide across multiple use cases, thereby improving project economics. This project will help us understand how aggregated BTM batteries can provide benefits to O&R’s distribution system, New York Independent System Operator markets, and host customers. Advances in energy storage systems will further improve the efficiency of O&R’s electric delivery system and will play a critical role in adding renewable energy production to the New York grid.
Smart Home Rate Demonstration project
O&R is piloting a new ‘interval-based’ rate in its Smart Home Rate (SHR) Demonstration project. The SHR project highlights how residential customers and those with customersited DER assets respond to innovative pricing signals designed to incent efficient grid use and deliver benefits to customers. O&R is also working closely with CECONY to learn the lessons from its current Innovative Pricing Pilot, which is testing four standard demand rates and two demand subscription rates for residential customers.