Power Authority Activates Electric Load Reduction Program to Reduce Anticipated Peak Demand Thursday

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Michael Saltzman
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June 24, 2003 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

NEW YORK—The New York Power Authority (NYPA) activated its Peak Load Management (PLM) program Thursday in New York City in anticipation of high electricity demand from hot and humid weather conditions.  It marks the first day this summer that the Power Authority has put the program into effect.  

“The Peak Load Management program contributes to the statewide efforts under Governor Pataki for managing available power supplies during the summer season when the state’s electric power system is pushed to its limits,” said Louis P. Ciminelli, NYPA chairman.  “The program includes the participation of some of the Power Authority’s largest customers, who have made commitments to cut back on their electricity use on peak demand days.”

Participating customers—both businesses and government organizations—receive $40 for each kilowatt of electricity they commit to save when called on during the high-demand months, from June through September.  NYPA may make such requests for up to 15 weekdays, with the standard duration of the reductions lasting up to six hours (12 noon-6 p.m.).

Notices of the possible activation of the program, which is now in its fourth year, are issued a day ahead.  Those are followed by confirmation notices on the day of the event. 

Among the participating customers are the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, the New York City Department of Environmental Protection and the City University of New York.

Last summer, the PLM program reduced power usage in the city by more than 50,000 kilowatts, or about the output of a small power plant.  The Power Authority expects to add to the peak amount this summer, with additional customer locations raising the total to 75.

Participants achieve power cutbacks through various measures, including turning off or dimming nonessential lighting, adjusting air-conditioning settings and using their own on-site generators.

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.