In the News
Program will help CVPS reduce peak power loads Brattleboro Reformer
June 27, 2008
BRATTLEBORO -- The New England power grid is organized in a way that prepares it for peak demands. Rather than putting extra stress on Vermont's transmission lines or relying on dirty sources of energy production to meet that demand, utilities believe it makes more sense to ask some industrial and commercial users to cut back on energy usage during those high energy events.
Earlier this month, Central Vermont Public Service hired ConsumerPowerline to design demand response solutions at no cost to CVPS customers in Vermont.
The Vermont Reliability Program will help address demand and environmental concerns between now and the time new transmission lines are installed along the Southern Loop corridor that runs between Vernon and Cavendish.
Fluctuations in power demands are greater in areas that experience a wider range of temperature changes over the year, such as New England. Demand can be especially heavy during the hottest times of the summer, especially when family members are getting home, turning up the air conditioner and turning on appliances such as stoves, fans and televisions, said Gary Fromer, CEO of ConsumerPowerline.
"All of sudden the demand for electricity skyrockets to peak levels," he said. In Vermont's case, it's less a question of power consumption and more about whether transmission lines such as the Southern Loop Coolidge Connector can handle additional demand.
"Until the 'pipe' is improved, CVPS is looking to create an ability to manage down demand in that part of the state in the event the 'pipe' is at risk," said Fromer.
Large-scale energy users who sign on to the program must be able to dial back on their power usage with 30 minutes notice between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m.
In return, they could earn up to $45,000 a year from Central Vermont Public Service. They can receive that money whether or not they are called upon to turn down their power usage. "Curtailment could vary from shutting down equipment or facilities to turning on a local backup generator," said Fromer.
"We are working with some of our larger customers who have the ability to reduce their load quickly to help manage our peaks and keep our peak loads down," said Steve Costello, spokesman for Central Vermont Public Service.
"It was really no question for us," said Seth Wyman, brand marketing manager for Long Trail Brewery in Bridgewater Corners. "The whole goal of improving Vermont's environmental sustainability efforts is a big part of where we are as a company."
Long Trail is equipped with a biodiesel generator that serves as a backup energy source and can be used during peak demand times, he said.
To be eligible for the program, industries and commercial users must agree to have advanced metering installed, said Fromer.
"Most older meters are set up to support a monthly electric bill."
These "smarter meters" can transmit information every five minutes, said Fromer, and also help businesses do a better job of tracking their energy usage.
Demand response can also help to reduce demands that can result in power outages such as the blackout of 2003.
"Making sure the system is reliable across its entire span makes it safer," said Fromer. ConsumerPowerline a strategic energy asset management firm in New York City.