ConEd's hybrid service model for large microgrid could become standard

By District Energy posted 02-21-2018 00:00

Recommend

Robert Walton, Utility Dive

Summary

It's not quite Burger King, but Consolidated Edison wants customers to have it their way. And driven by new technologies, economic development, and policies from the state, large projects in New York City may have increasing control over their electricity needs.

Take Hudson Yards, the giant multi-use development in New York City that is the largest private real estate project in the United States. Under development for years, it will ultimately include more than 18 million square feet of commercial and residential space, including 4,000 residences.

The project is being designed from the ground up to be efficient, connected and cutting edge. Last month its first commercial office building received a LEED Platinum certification from the United States Green Building Council, a reflection of its sustainability. Consolidated Edison has helped developer Related Cos. to power its buildings through unique service connection architectures to facilitate a microgrid.

The utility is doing things a bit differently than it normally would, accommodating requests from Related that specify where the power is delivered. It's a "hybrid" structure that has eliminated some complicated equipment and will quicken and simplify reconnecting to the grid when Hudson Yards moves out of island mode.