A Summer 2019 analysis of New York’s electric generation demonstrates that common governmental calculation methods for CO2 emission rates underestimate the full effect of peak period electric use -- and so also dramatically undervalue the potential for grid-interactive efficient buildings, solar PV and energy efficiency to reduce grid carbon emissions
Properly calculated CO2 emission rates capture NYISO Security Constrained Unit Commitment (“SCUC”) and thus the generators responsible for most of New York’s
emissions.
This analysis of actual New York fossil generation during a hot week in the Summer 2019 illustrates the significant carbon reduction achievable by targeting the few days and hours each week that dictate SCUC. On Monday and Tuesday, New York City temperatures reached the mid-90’s, on Wednesday through Friday the mid-80’s.
Buildings can reduce SCUC every week of the year through capital and operating improvements focused on:
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reducing peak hour electric use (energy efficiency);
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shifting use out of peak hours (storage);
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providing operating reserves during peak hours; and
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taking advantage of PV and its coincidence with cooling season peaks.
EMeister does all four as a byproduct of reducing energy expense.
Importantly, “when” electricity is used is just as important as “how much” is used.