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Officials To Study Microgrid Technology In New Rochelle

NEW ROCHELLE, N.Y. – New Rochelle has been awarded $100,000 through the NY Prize initiative after being named as one of 16 cities throughout the state that will be study the economic and technical feasibility of installing microgrids, a more reliable source of power.

An example of the microgrid tech that will be studied in New Rochelle.

An example of the microgrid tech that will be studied in New Rochelle.

Photo Credit: Contributed

Project lead Booz Allen Hamilton is teaming with Siemens and Power Analytics to install microgrids in New Rochelle, which will then be monitored and evaluated to determine how they can “expand customer choice, ensure power reliability, improve resiliency and preserve the environment.”

According to the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority, microgrids are local energy networks that are able to separate from the larger electrical grid during extreme weather events or emergencies, providing power to individual customers and crucial public services such as hospitals, first responders and water treatment facilities.”

As part of the microgrid project, Booz Allen officials will team with community stakeholders and utility representatives to study technical assessments of energy generation assets, power flows, costs, benefits and required infrastructure. The study, which represents phase one of the project, is scheduled to be completed early next year.

“New York is at the cutting edge of the future of electric distribution, and we’re excited to partner with Power Analytics and Siemens to deliver a secure and distributed energy future,” Booz Allen Executive Vice President Gary Rahl said. “Learning (in New Rochelle) will help advance the vision and feasibility of utility system transformation that the governor’s Reforming the Energy Vision Initiative.”

New Rochelle Mayor Noam Bramson said that consultants with Booz Allen would team with local colleges, businesses, Montefiore Medical Center, master developers from RDRXR and other community partners during the study.

“With funding for the feasibility analysis in hand, Booz Allen Hamilton can now conduct a more in-depth six-month study that will culminate with a new application for an engineering grant,” he added. “Then, if we get past stage two, we will apply for implementation assistance.”

During the six-month feasibility study, officials will attempt to “identify good projects and partnerships that are a natural fit in New Rochelle.” They will determine the community’s needs and what technologies are available while asking local residents for input along the way.

With “100-year storms” becoming a seemingly annual occurrence, the installation of a microgrid in the city would increase resilience against outages, enhance the reliability of the local energy system, lower energy costs to taxpayers, encourage economic development and reduce pollution.

Although New Rochelle is the first local community to apply to the NY Prize, Bramson warned that there’s still a long road before they even potentially reach the second phase of the competition.

“The NY Prize is very competitive, and only a handful of communities in the state will make it to the finish line,” he stated. “But I’m excited about our prospects. New Rochelle’s unique combination of existing facilities and ambitious new development make us a potential model for sustainable, resilient energy management.”

 

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