NYPA Peak Load Management Program Wins National Award

Contact
Brian Warner
914-390-8183
brian.warner@nypa.gov

October 7, 2002

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

WHITE PLAINS — The New York Power Authority’s program to reduce customer energy usage during times of peak energy demand earned a national award from the Peak Load Management Alliance during ceremonies held today in Annapolis, Maryland.

“The success of our Peak Load Management Program (PLM) is based on the tremendous cooperation we’ve received from our varied customers.  It is one of the array of initiatives instituted, under Governor George Pataki’s leadership, to respond effectively to summertime energy peaks,” said NYPA Chairman Louis P. Ciminelli.

In the summer of 2002 NYPA activated the demand reduction program 12 times.  PLM participating customers reduced their electricity use by a total of more than 50,000 kilowatts, which is about equal to the output of a small power plant.

The Power Authority received the “2002 Performance Recognition Award” in the government entity category for large publicly-owned utilities.

The Peak Load Management Alliance, of which the Power Authority is a member, was formed as a coalition of organizations of electricity suppliers, load shedding systems manufacturers, research groups and trade associations to promote the concept of reducing demand for electricity in response to pricing signals in the marketplace.

"There are a lot of innovative and creative load reduction programs being operated this year," remarked Elliot Boardman, Executive Director of PLMA.  "This is a way to recognize and highlight the best programs."

The award is based on the following criteria: customer satisfaction; program clarity, flexibility and ease of participation; program management; customer education; innovative use of demand response and/or communication technology; management of program and/or customer performance information; and cost effectiveness.

NYPA customers participating in the program receive $40 for each kilowatt of electricity they commit to save when called on during the high-demand months, from June through September.  The Power Authority may make such requests for up to 15 weekdays during those months, with the standard duration of the reductions lasting up to six hours (12 noon-6 p.m.).

Participants achieve the power cutbacks through various measures, including turning off or dimming non-essential lighting, adjusting air-conditioning settings, and using their own on-site generators.  Among the NYPA customers participating are the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the City and State Universities of New York, and the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

NYPA’s PLM program is part of a larger effort under New York State government’s direction known as the Coordinated Electricity Demand Reduction Initiative, or CEDRI, that has resulted in substantial cutbacks in power use this summer.  In addition to NYPA, it involves the New York Independent System Operator, the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, the Long Island Power Authority, and the New York State Public Service Commission.

The New York Power Authority supplies about a quarter of the state’s electricity needs.