ALBANY - Four New York advanced-energy projects will receive more than $88 million in funding to support Smart Grid demonstration and energy storage projects through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. These projects were competitively selected with 28 other projects funded nationwide to help build a smarter, more efficient and more resilient electrical grid.

New York strengthened the applications by pledging a 10 percent match or $8.8 million from New York’s Innovation Economy Matching Grants Program. In total, the awards of $620 million announced Tuesday by U.S. Secretary of Energy Steven Chu will be leveraged with $1 billion in funds from the private sector to support more than $1.6 billion in total Smart Grid projects nationally.

“The fact that our State is well represented among the states in receiving these funds is testament to New York’s position as leader in the New Economy. Smart Grid and energy storage efforts are critical pieces of my ‘45 by 15’ energy efficiency and renewable energy goals, and continue our path to creating a stronger clean energy economy and a cleaner environment for all New Yorkers,” Governor David Paterson said. “Three State authorities, including NYSERDA, LIPA and NYPA, are actively involved in these projects, and we are proud of the recognition they have received. I applaud President Obama, Energy Secretary Steven Chu and our entire Congressional Delegation for their work to secure these critical funds that promote economic recovery, development and environmental stewardship.”

The funding awards are divided into two topic areas. In the first group, New York received three out of 16 awards nationwide to support fully integrated, regional Smart Grid demonstrations. These included:

• Secure Interoperable Open Smart Grid Demonstration in New York and New Jersey ($45,388,291) - Consolidated Edison Company of New York, Inc., will demonstrate a scalable, cost-effective Smart Grid prototype that promotes cyber security, reduces electricity demand and peak energy use, and increases reliability and energy efficiency. The system will include renewable energy generation, grid monitoring, electric vehicle charging stations, transmission automation, and consumer systems that will help expand the use of renewable energy and lead to greater consumer participation in the electricity system.
• Long Island Smart Energy Corridor ($12,496,047): The Long Island Power Authority will partner with two branches of the State University of New York (SUNY) to create a Smart Energy Corridor along the Route 110 business corridor, involving 800 customers. The project will demonstrate the integration of a suite of Smart Grid technologies, such as smart meters, distribution automation, distributed energy resources, and electric vehicle charging stations. The project also will include testing cyber security systems, identifying the optimal combination of features to encourage consumer participation, and educating the public about the tools and techniques available with the Smart Grid.
• Evaluation of Instrumentation and Dynamic Thermal Ratings for Overhead Lines ($720,000): The New York Power Authority (NYPA) will demonstrate the effects that Dynamic Thermal Circuit Ratings (DTCR) technology can have on areas of the New York State transmission system where there is abundant wind generation potential, including Massena (St. Lawrence County) and Chateaugay (Franklin County). This project could result in a five to 15 percent increase in transmission line capacity to allow for more wind power, deferring millions of dollars in capital expenditures on transmission projects an enabling improved situational awareness for grid operators.

In the second group, New York received one out of 16 awards nationwide to help fund utility-scale energy storage projects that will enhance the reliability and efficiency of the grid, while reducing the need for new electricity plants. In this group, the New York State Electric & Gas Corporation (NYSEG) received an award of $29,561,142 to demonstrate an advanced 150 MW Compressed Air Energy Storage (CAES) facility that utilizes an underground salt cavern to store compressed air. This demonstration site at Watkins Glen in Schuyler County, combined with an innovative Smart Grid control system will improve grid reliability and provide a resource to accept wind generated power without timing constraints. The New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) supported the project initially with a $200,000 feasibility study and then a $1 million contribution for the demonstration project.

Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said: “This is a great investment for New York. These federal dollars will help create more clean, homegrown sources of energy right here in New York, make us more energy independent, reduce our emissions and improve our environment, while helping to rebuild our economy. I will continue working with Governor Paterson, Senator Schumer and our entire Congressional Delegation to make sure New York gets its fair share from the federal government.”