CHP functions at a high rate of efficiency because it uses the energy normally lost through waste heat in a traditional natural gas or diesel generator. An example of a complimentary load profile is an office building and an apartment building because the office reaches peak energy use during midday, while an apartment building uses more energy in the evening as people return home from work.Ĭommunity microgrids consist of a combined heat and power system, or CHP. A CHP system functions most efficiently and in the most beneficial way when the buildings connected to the system include critical infrastructure, such as hospitals and nursing homes which require uninterrupted power supply, as well as buildings with complimentary load profiles. Creating clear guidelines for what to expect in terms of regulation when building a community microgrid would dispel any concerns about entering into a community microgrid project.īefore a community microgrid is built, determining where to put the system is the first and most important step in implementing a successful project. There has been uncertainty as to how the Public Service Commission (PSC) will regulate a community microgrid since public utilities providing energy have stringent rules and are closely regulated. To facilitate the project, the Governor also stated, “he PSC and the State will work with utilities and private developers to reform regulatory and financial hurdles that have prevented investment in microgrids.” To successfully implement community microgrids in NY both the monetary pledge and regulatory reform are required. The reasons behind the initiative include the vulnerability of the current energy infrastructure in the state, and the likelihood that storms such as Superstorm Sandy will continue to devastate unless changes are made to the current system. ![]() Funded by federal funds given to the state for relief efforts after Hurricane Sandy and state garnered funds, the initiative was announced during the Governor’s State of the State Address on Januas part of a plan titled NY Prize. With his $40 million dollar project to develop 10 community microgrids in areas with approximately 40,000 residents in 2014, Governor Cuomo has solidified a brighter future for energy in New York State. Her post also appeared on the Center’s blog on January 27. From Preliminary Microgrid Study Findings, Tom Bourgeois, Pace Energy and Climate CenterĮarthDesk welcomes Lauren Bacon of Pace Law School and the Pace Energy and Climate Center.
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