Orange and Rockland Utilities (O&R), a subsidiary of Con Edison, is currently involved in three smart grid-related projects. One project is funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), which is creating the prototype for O&R’s smart grid concept. For the second and third projects, O&R – as a sub-awardee to Con Edison’s ARRA Smart Grid Infrastructure Grant and their Smart Grid Demonstration Grant both described above – is using this funding to expand the prototype into a system of circuits and demonstrate an auto-restoration control system and a coordinated voltage and var control system. The objective of O&R’s projects is to create an easily expandable prototype of a modernized distribution system that will:
- Reduce the frequency and duration of outages
- Defer capital expenditures
- Provide operational savings
- Decrease electricity costs to customers
- Reduce electricity consumption and environmental emissions through voltage management, reduced line losses, and conservation voltage reduction
O&R is piloting their modernized distribution system on two circuits in New York State and five circuits in New Jersey. O&R has been installing Intelligent Electric Devices (IEDs), such as switched capacitor banks, automated switches, and reclosers for several years. A significant number of additional IEDs are being installed on circuits involved in the pilot projects.
For more information on the NYSERDA project, refer to:
Smart Grid.gov: Model-Centric Approach to Smarter Electric Distribution Systems.
