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News from The Alliance for Clean Energy New York

For more information: Carol E. Murphy, (518) 701-9085

ACE NY SAYS RECORD NEW YORK STATE ELECTRICITY DEMAND UNDERSCORES NEED FOR RENEWABLE ENERGY AND IMPROVED EFFICIENCY

NY Renewables offer Energy Security, Grid Stability, and Environmental Benefits

ALBANY, NY -- (08/04/2006; 1700)(EIS) -- The Alliance for Clean Energy New York (ACE NY) pointed to the recent heat wave resulting in two new peak demand records in New York's electricity usage this week and the power outages in New York City last week as a clear signal to add more renewable energy and energy efficiency to the power grid.

On Wednesday, August 2, during the 2:00 p.m. hour, the electric grid operator-the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO)-reported that the state had achieved a new peak demand for electricity of 33,939 megawatts. This usage eclipses the record of 32,075 megawatts set just one year ago on July 26, 2005, by 1,864 megawatts. The difference is enough electricity to power approximately 1.8 million average New York households. This dramatic increase in demand over a one-year period is unprecedented in New York's history and underscores the need for investment in energy efficiency and the addition of significant amounts of new, clean power to the grid.

"Contrary to conventional wisdom that the majority of new demand for electricity comes from downstate, our analysis shows that this growth in electricity usage is evenly divided between upstate and downstate," said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. "When we compared 2005's peak numbers upstate with August 2, 2006 numbers we found an increase in demand of 968 megawatts in the area from western New York through the Hudson Valley. This increase represents more than half of the load growth statewide." Murphy noted that large scale wind power can help meet the fast growing demand for electricity, particularly in the upstate regions where wind power is well suited. During the recent peak demand period the Maple Ridge wind farm helped meet this demand by supplying 115 megawatts of power into the grid.

Photovoltaic (PV) systems and fuel cells create power without emitting pollution, and this is particularly important when the haze and air pollution are at their worst during the hot and humid days of summer. Recent studies conducted by the SUNY Atmospheric Sciences Research Center (ASRC) have demonstrated that PV system output closely follows New York City's peak electrical demand. Solar can be counted on to generate power when New York City and Long Island need it the most. Studies have estimated that New York City could reliably meet 20 percent of its peak demand needs with solar systems on rooftops, building facades, parking lot infrastructure, etc.

As more stress is placed on the power grid, fuel cells, PV systems and energy efficiency can reduce multiple stresses on the electric system. Those systems with battery storage can provide on-site emergency backup for critical resources like hospitals, police and fire stations, elevators, air conditioners and emergency lights in high rises, and communication services.

"With increasing geo-political instability, our own growing appetite for energy and the environmental and public health issues of global warming and respiratory illnesses confronting us, we should be doing everything we can to ensure our future energy supply comes from clean, renewable, home-grown sources." said Carol E. Murphy, Executive Director of the Alliance for Clean Energy New York. "Whether it's wind power, solar power, increased hydro-electric capacity or fuel cells, renewables offer price and grid stability and environmental benefits for New York. We must invest now to secure an environmentally sound energy future for our children."

The Alliance for Clean Energy New York's (www.aceny.org) mission is to promote the use of clean, renewable electricity technologies and energy efficiency in New York State, in order to increase energy diversity and security, boost economic development, improve public health, and reduce air pollution.

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