NYSERDA University Heights Microgrid
Improving Electric Reliability, Decreasing Customer Costs, and Using Greener Energy With a Downtown Albany Microgrid
LaBella Associates was retained by NYSERDA and Aries Power for the University Heights Microgrid project which has been approved for Phase 2 funding for the NY Prize Microgrid Competition. This innovative project seeks to create an independent network of electricity end-users and Distributed Energy Resources (DERs) in a grid constrained area of Downtown Albany. Stage 2 funding will drive detailed engineering and economic analysis for a microgrid which will encompass six major sites including:
- University Heights, Albany: Albany Law School
- Albany College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences
- Capital District Psychiatric Center
- Congregation Beth Emeth
- Parsons Child and Family Center
- Albany Medical Center—South Campus
This project will bring development to the University Heights neighborhood by improving electric reliability, dropping customer costs and making the use of thermal and electric energy much greener. The University Heights Microgrid Project is one of 11 projects state-wide.
Our energy team will be collaborating with our client, Aries Power, Inc. and GE Energy Consulting as well as other solar and demand response experts. LaBella’s scope includes “behind the meter” services such as ASHRAE Energy Audits at each of the end user sites and detailed design services of DERs and interconnection studies. In total, we anticipate in excess of 6MW of natural gas fired combined heat and power generators and roof mount solar PV will be designed.
