Dive Brief:

• New York regulators and power authorities are continuing to focus on energy efficiency and advanced load control, expanding utility demand management and moving ahead with efficiency plans.
• The New York State Public Service Commission last week approved a Consolidated Edison connected device program that includes PTACs, split-level HVACs and other connected devices with a three-year budget of $7.5 million. 
• Meanwhile, the New York Power Authority Board of Trustees has authorized the approval of nine contracts to firms that can implement energy efficiency and renewable projects at public facilities while guaranteeing that the energy cost-savings will pay for the projects. 

Dive Insight:

New York regulators and power authorities continue to focus on energy efficiency and demand management as keys to maintaining the grid. The PSC's decision last week to grow ConEd's air conditioner program could help expand the program to millions of customers.

Roughly 21,000 electricity customers currently participate in Con Edison’s “Smart AC” program. But with the expanded budget, many more could be eligible for financial rewards of approximately $25 to $95 per year, in exchange for allowing the utility to control thermostats.

Commission Chair John Rhodes said the decision will encourage "greater innovation and competition, reducing costs and energy demand." Utility officials expect the program will encourage more people to purchase energy-efficient equipment, including advanced air conditioners and ductless heat pumps.

And RTO Insider reports the PSC also signed off on fees and processes related to the Utility Energy Registry, which tracks customer energy use to enable more distributed resources.

NYPA's energy efficiency contracts are part of the state's BuildSmartNY program. NYPA's approval means nine firms will join NYPA’s growing list of pre-qualified energy services vendors that assist with the implementation of energy-saving technology all across the state.

“NYPA is expanding its capabilities to deliver energy efficiency improvements to its customers,” NYPA President and CEO Gil Quiniones said in a statement. The power authority is committed to develop $300 million annually in energy efficiency and renewable measures at public facilities by 2020.

The five-year contracts total $200 million and include: AECOM USA, Inc.; Ameresco, Inc; Energy Systems Group, LLC; Honeywell International, Inc.; Johnson Controls, Inc.; NORESCO, LLC; Siemens Building Technologies; Wendel Energy Services, LLC; and Genesys Engineering.