Mar 31 2009
CPower, a leading energy management firm, today announced that it has been selected by Lafarge North America, a diversified supplier of construction materials, to manage the company's energy conservation at its Ravena, New York-based plant. Lafarge will participate in the CPower New York Reserves Program and will curtail energy during real-time power system emergencies, helping to keep a reliable supply of electricity in New York State.
Under the terms of the agreement, Lafarge will curtail up to 15 megawatts (MW) of electricity upon request, thereby reducing the need for utility providers to keep stand-by generators fully loaded, idling and burning fuel, that can be placed online in the event of a power system emergency. By being on stand-by to take a portion of its electrical load off the grid when needed, Lafarge is providing immediate relief to the grid and a clean alternative to running stand-by generators. In exchange for its participation, Lafarge is projected to earn as much as 10% back on their cost of electricity.
Reserves is a form of demand response that responds instantly to dramatic changes in electricity supply in order to maintain a balanced electrical grid. It is designed for facilities able to curtail electrical load at these critical times, with just 10 minutes notification prior to an event. CPower has extensive experience managing clients' participation in Reserves as a pioneer in the Texas (ERCOT), Mid-Atlantic (PJM) and New England regions. In 2008, New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), the organization that manages New York's electrical grid, opened up the Reserves market allowing facilities in New York State to actively participate in the program.
Through CPower's experience in Reserves, the company has developed a customized metering, control and communications platform, which enables CPower to alert Lafarge during curtailment events in order to ensure the company meets its reduction requirements. To prepare Lafarge for participation in the program, CPower worked with the company's facilities and operations personnel, conducting rigorous testing and technical challenges confirming its readiness for participation.
"In the spirit of sustainable construction and environmental conservation, Lafarge is always looking for new, innovative ways to become more energy efficient. Participating in a reserves program seemed to be the natural next step for us," said John Reagan, Environmental Manager, Ravena Plant, Lafarge North America. "CPower's knowledge of the market and track record of success in enabling sophisticated business operations will undoubtedly allow us to meet our sustainability goals efficiently while generating a significant source of revenue."
"We applaud Lafarge for its overall commitment to sustainable business practices and, more specifically, to energy reduction," said Gary Fromer, CEO of CPower. "Particularly in these tough economic times, we are very excited to assist businesses in aggressively approaching new ways to generate revenue, while at the same time helping to ease stress on the electric grid during emergent circumstances."