Central Hudson touts clean energy efforts

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. said it has taken on several initiatives to help meet ambitious state standards focused on carbon emissions.

The measures are being taken, in part, “to effectuate goals and objectives established by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act and New York’s Reforming the Energy Vision,” according to a utility press release.

Initiatives being taken by Central Hudson are outlined in a report known as the Distributed System Implementation Plan. The report submitted by each New York investor-owned utility every two years to the State Public Service Commission.

“New York has established nation-leading goals in the transition to cleaner energy and Central Hudson is proud to support this endeavor,” said Charles A. Freni, president and chief executive officer of Central Hudson. “Our Distributed System Implementation Plan not only shows what we’re doing to help meet these goals, but also details our continued initiatives for an efficient, affordable, safe and reliable energy system.”

Among the initiatives, as outlined in the press release, are:

Efficiency Initiatives

Central Hudson’s report emphasized the role of energy efficiency programs that reduce carbon emissions and help customers manage their energy use. The utility says it has committed an additional $43.2 million to support 75 million kilowatt-hours of energy savings, or the equivalent annual electric use of 10,000 homes, through heat pump electrification.

“Heat pump technologies provide efficient heating and cooling for residences and businesses, with emissions savings as compared to heating with oil and propane,” the utility said. “Through program rebates that fund one third to one-half of typical installations, Central Hudson aims to incentivize approximately 12,000 heat pump installations by 2025.”

Central Hudson said it is also replacing aging natural gas infrastructure to improve efficiency, safety and reduce ongoing maintenance costs.

Grid Modernization

Central Hudson said it has continued its effort implementing several large scale transformational projects designed to improve the intelligence of its system including the installation of a Distribution Management System, increased levels of Distribution Automation, and an enterprise Network Strategy communication system that allows field devices to communicate with operators through an Energy Management System.

“Included is the development of a new Primary Controls Center to oversee the electric system, and an overhaul of the customer information system software to integrate these new technologies,” the utility said.

The state-of-the-art equipment and systems being deployed will “improve the efficiency, durability and reliability of the energy delivery system.

“Devices will automatically re-route power during storm outages to reduce electric service interruptions, improve system efficiency by maintaining optimum voltage levels and provide real-time information on the state of the local electric system,” Central Hudson said.

Distributed Energy Resources

Applications for larger solar farms and also Energy Storage Systems are on the rise, the utility said.

“Solar installations within the utility’s service area are among the highest in New York on a per-capita basis, with nearly 9,370 systems installed by residents, businesses and developers with 129 megawatts of total solar capacity, and offsetting more than 5,600 tons of greenhouse gas emissions each year,” Central Hudson said.

Electric Vehicle Initiatives

Central Hudson said it supports the state goals of increasing electric vehicle adoption to reduce operating costs and vehicle emissions, the largest source of greenhouse gasses in the state.

“Central Hudson’s current focus is on utility infrastructure to enable charging station planning and deployment,” the utility said.

Central Hudson said that the COVID-19 pandemic may delay the implementation of the plans.

“In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the scope and timing of these plans may be adjusted during the economic recovery,” the utility said.

For more about Central Hudson’s energy efficiency programs and other information visit www.SavingsCentral.com.