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

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Michael Saltzman
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July 8, 2003

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

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

“Various Power Authority customers—both businesses and government organizations—participate in the program, helping to manage available power supplies  during the air-conditioning season,” said Louis P. Ciminelli, NYPA chairman. “Their reduction in power use helps to maintain the reliability of the electric system during the most uncomfortable summer days.”  

Participating customers 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 are issued a day ahead, followed by confirmation 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 participating, raising the total to 75.

Participants achieve the 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.