The new demand response program will allow GWP to call demand response events on “peak days” to reduce peak electrical load. Residential customers may participate by using an existing smart thermostat and receiving a $50 incentive to join the program, or by purchasing a new smart thermostat with a $100 discount through the program marketplace or at a participating retailer with a coupon. On peak days, GWP will adjust the temperature of the thermostats of participating customers to help reduce electrical demand. Residential customers will receive a $50 annual incentive for participating in the program. Commercial customers with a demand of 50 kW or greater are also eligible to participate and will receive a complimentary program site assessment to help identify load reduction strategies. Commercial customers may join the program at one of two commitment levels: a 4-hour reduction - $10/kW-month ($50/kW-year), or 2-hour reduction - $5/kW-month ($25/kW-year). This program will reduce peak energy demand by up to 10 MW on up to 15 peak days per year. Franklin Energy Services, LLC will be contracted to provide services for this program.
An energy efficiency program was also approved for commercial customers. Lime Energy Services Company will be contracted to provide the services for this program. This program will provide eligible businesses with the direct installation of energy efficient lighting and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) upgrades. The upgrades are expected to reduce annual electric usage in the City by up to 35,000 kWh and reduce demand by up to 8.3 MW.
The City Council also directed GWP to complete contract negotiations with Sunrun, Inc. for a proposed virtual power plant program that would provide solar generation and battery storage from up to 3,000 - 4,000 single-family residences and approximately 30-40 multi-family properties, making it the largest virtual power plant program of its kind. This proposed program would deliver solar energy and an average of 25.25 MW of solar-powered battery storage each year to Glendale over the course of 25 years, and would provide backup power to participating customers in the event of a grid outage. Once contract negotiations are complete, the contracts for the virtual power plant program will be presented to the City Council for consideration.
“Franklin Energy, Lime Energy, and Sunrun are leaders in energy efficiency and clean energy technologies. We are proud to offer GWP customers opportunities to contribute to the City’s clean energy future by participating in these programs,” said Vrej Agajanian, Mayor of the City of Glendale.
“Our new clean energy programs show that Glendale is at the forefront of a clean energy commitment and will help transition GWP to have 100% renewable energy sources by 2045” said Steve Zurn, General Manager of GWP. GWP has been pursuing alternatives for its Grayson Repowering Project in an effort to reduce its reliance on gas generation and imported power.
After the contracts are negotiated and finalized, the Clean Energy programs are expected to launch in early 2021. Once fully implemented, the programs are expected to deliver an average peak capacity of 38.4 MW.
