B_0514_NYMetro7

Con Edison Required to Tackle Climate Change

April 28, 2014

$1 billion in storm hardening forthcoming.

Does the sight of rain clouds make you nervous about a power outage? Con Edison has launched a plan to implement measures that will protect its electric, gas, and steam systems from the effects of climate change.

The utility is required by the New York State Public Service Commission to invest $2.4 billion in grid resiliency, including $1 billion for storm hardening in response to damage caused by Superstorm Sandy and other extreme weather events.

The order will confirm Con Edison’s voluntary commitment to conduct a Climate Change Vulnerability Study in 2014, which will provide important guidance on how the utility can best prepare for rising sea levels, more intense storms, heat waves, and other potential effects of a changing climate.

Grid efficiency is also being investigated. The utility will:

  • Evaluate alternative strategies such as critical peak pricing to reduce load during heat events, create rate options that will encourage smart charging of electric vehicles, and empower customers to make smarter, lower-carbon energy-use decisions.
  • Identify areas where high-efficiency cogeneration systems and microgrids could be placed to reduce system load, isolate outages, and provide refuges of power islands.
  • Explore ways to utilize energy storage and increase demand response projects.
  • Embark on a study to quantify low-risk methane leaks in order to prioritize and accelerate their repair.

Over the next four years, Con Edison will focus on redesigning underground networks, flood-proofing vulnerable facilities, investing in smart-grid technologies, upgrading overhead systems, burying select overhead lines, protecting gas systems from flooding, and reinforcing critical tunnels.

Delivery charges will remain fixed for the next three years, at which time customers can expect a 2% increase in pricing.

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of Buildings, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Building Better Schools

Download this digital resource to better understand the challenges and opportunities in designing and operating educational facilities for safety, sustainability, and performance...

Tips to Keep Facility Management on Track

How do you plan to fill the knowledge gap as seasoned facility managers retire or leave for new opportunities? Learn about the latest strategies including FM tech innovations ...

The Beauty & Benefits of Biophilic Design in the Built Environment

Biophilic design is a hot trend in design, but what is it and how can building professionals incorporate these strategies for the benefits of occupants? This eHandbook offers ...

The Benefits of Migrating from Analog to DMR Two-Way Radios

Are you still using analog two-way radios? Download this white paper and discover the simple and cost-effective migration path to digital DMR radios that deliver improved audio...