NYSERDA Press Releases

Retailers Centralize Control Over Energy Use;
New Technologies to Enable Stores to Respond to Supply Shortages and Cut Costs

Albany, NY - The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) today announced a partnership with three retail merchandisers to control energy usage in more than 50 shopping centers allowing the retailers to better manage power consumption and reduce demand on the State's power grid.

NYSERDA, through its Peak Load Reduction Program, is providing incentives to 16 BJ's Wholesale Clubs throughout the State, 16 Stop & Shop Supermarkets, and 14 Home Depot stores located in Con Edison's service territory for energy control technologies to reduce lighting levels during periods of Statewide electric capacity constraints, saving approximately four (4) megawatts of power from the Statewide utility grid. The technology to be used, known as Direct Load Control, uses a computerized power management system and cellular telecommunications to control individual store lighting systems.

"The decision by these retailers to participate in our Direct Load Control project is highly commendable. Their participation will assist in the overall effort to reduce the strain on the State's power system during times of peak consumption," said NYSERDA President William M. Flynn. "This effort is evidence that Governor Pataki's commitment to helping businesses and residents take advantage of advanced energy technologies to address our energy challenges is working."

Energy load reductions will be directed by two energy service companies, Invensys Energy Solutions and Service Resources, to each store's energy management system which have programmable curtailment settings. The goal is to reduce lighting levels by 50 percent during peak usage periods during the day.

As part of NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart^SM Peak Load Reduction Program, the direct load control effort provides financial incentives and technical expertise to assist with purchase and proper use of the required technology, such as advanced electrical meters and cellular communications.

"At Home Depot, we can safely reduce in-store lighting during periods when the public demand for energy is most acute," said Home Depot Division President John Wicks. "There is a clear public need for consumers to do their part during peak usage hours, and Home Depot is very pleased to participate."

"BJ's is happy to help keep power flowing to the community by turning down
the lights at peak times. Thanks to the NYSERDA programs, we've been able
to maximize our efforts," said BJ's spokesperson Sara Dill.

"In order to participate the Peak Load Reduction Program for the 2003 summer, I encourage other companies to act now," said Flynn.

Funding for this project came from NYSERDA's New York Energy $mart^SM program, which is designed to lower electricity costs by encouraging energy efficiency as the State's electric utilities move to competition. The programs are available to all electric distribution customers (residential, commercial, institutional, and industrial) of Central Hudson, Con Edison, NYSEG, Niagara Mohawk, Orange and Rockland, and Rochester Gas and Electric. All New York Energy $mart^SM programs are funded by a System Benefits Charge (SBC) paid by electric distribution customers of participating utilities. NYSERDA, a public benefit corporation established by law in 1975, administers SBC funds and programs under an agreement with the Public Service Commission. Additional information about these programs can be obtained at www.nyserda.org or 1-866-NYSERDA.

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