National Grid

Summary

National Grid is partnering with local customers, OBG, and GE consulting to fund a microgrid through a new tariff design, testing demand for a premium resiliency service. This project also includes new metering, billing, and financial services for DER providers.

Current Status

National Grid and its partners are working on a detailed engineering design and business plan, and expect to make a go/no-go decision in December 2017.

Summary

The Distributed System Platform (DSP) REV Demo aims to develop a platform that can accurately calculate the locational value of energy in our distribution system, and leverage local customer-owned DERs to fulfill system needs; creating a distribution level marketplace for energy. National Grid has partnered with the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus (BNMC) as a test bed, and with Opus One Solutions for the technology development.

Current Status

The Financial Model that will be used to generate the locational price signals has been developed. Currently, all project partners are working on developing the DSP technology. The DSP is expected to go live by the end of 2017.

Summary

National Grid is partnering with Solar Liberty and GE to help low-to moderate income (LMI) customers access clean energy while reducing debts through a neighborhood solar project in an economically distressed area. This project will also evaluate possible grid efficiencies that can be derived from installing generation near the point of use.

Current Status

Residential PV solar systems are currently being constructed and connected.  The baseline data for the grid efficiency evaluation has been collected, and the baseline analysis is nearly complete. National Grid and NYSERDA also are collaborating to offer LMI customers energy efficiency solutions.

Summary

The Clifton Park project is deploying smart meters that use wireless technology to send real-time data about a customer’s electric usage to National Grid.  The technology features provided by the Opower portal, the AMI meters, and voice recognition technology through the Smart Home Rate will incentivize customers to reduce energy use during times of peak demand.  Customers will learn more about their energy use and how to control their electric bill, see near real time energy usage on the portal, and have the potential to earn gift cards they can redeem at their favorite stores.

Current Status

Over 13,000 electric smart meters and over 11,400 gas ERTs have been installed in Clifton Park. The team has completed design of and tested a peak event model using NYISO load forecasts. Upgrades related to voltage and power factor are in process.The team received approval from Staff on The Smart Home Rate, filed on June 6th, which will add voice recognition technology features to customers in Clifton Park that opt into the VTOU rate.

Summary

National Grid aims to accelerate the pace and scale of interconnecting distributed generation systems above 50kW through upfront investment by the Company along with alternative cost allocation methodology aimed at removing barriers for DG interconnection applicants.

Current Status

National Grid is testing the approach at two of its substations, Peterboro and East Golah. Civil construction work was completed in September 2017 and overall construction completion is anticipated in December 2017. The Company is actively marketing the Project to DER developers seeking to interconnect in the demonstration areas.

Summary

National Grid’s Smart Home Rate is linked to its Clifton Park Project. It will leverage the existing offering, tools, and price signals through a voice recognition technology platform that enables customers to control appliances in their home remotely.

Current Status

Development of an Implementation plan is underway.