Cuomo unveils plan to reduce power usage

• Cuomo calls energy plan "fundamental shift"
• Proceeding to lay out details
• Called "Reforming Energy Vision"
• Consumers to be aided in cutting demand

New York's electric power system will do more to reduce usage as a way to cut costs under a new plan issued by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

Called Reforming Energy Vision, or REV, it focuses on consumers using technology to reduce energy costs. It also calls on utility companies to work toward more "distributed" systems, or ways to generate electricity from many small energy sources linked together.

The Public Service Commission launched a proceeding to put the pieces together. Cuomo called the plan a "fundamental shift in utility regulation."

Formally, the announcement does not halt any proceedings underway before the commission. That includes the controversial AC Transmission project that brought forth four proposals to enlarge bulk transmission lines that run through corridors in Dutchess, Ulster and Orange counties.

However, the new plan's goals mirror those of the transmission initiative, which tries to find ways to get more power into the lower Hudson Valley area by resolving bottlenecks in the grid.

Using less power is another path to that goal.

Cuomo's statement said "finding ways to reduce peak demand represents the single largest savings opportunity for consumers in New York." Peak demand occurs only at a few times, but building generating and transmission capacity to handle it means extra costs. Alternatively, lopping off the peaks would reduce the need to build more bulk infrastructure.

Under the REV plan, consumers would be rewarded for using technology to reduce demand, particularly at peak times.

Cuomo said in his statement, "By introducing and embracing information technology and clean energy solutions, millions of New Yorkers will benefit from a 21st century power grid, enabling them to better manage and reduce their energy costs while protecting and preserving the environment."

Examples include smart appliances, like air conditioners that could be linked through the Internet so a utility could signal them to change usage to a lower setting when overall power consumption surges on a hot day.

Chuck Ferri of Clinton Corners, among those opposing the enlargement of power lines that would pass through his area, said of Cuomo's initiative: "I think he's on the right track. Basically, I think it's a good idea."

Plans for the power lines are opposed by citizens in his area because of concerns about potential impacts ranging from health to visual to property seizure. Ferri said some overhead power lines are a technology dating to the 1920s.

"We just have to find a better way to move electricity," he said.

Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. spokesman John Maserjian said the company supports the "new vision for the electric system."

Central Hudson "anticipates opportunities for positive changes in the way electricity is generated and distributed," he said. "As part of our infrastructure investment plans, Central Hudson is looking toward projects that will enable more advanced grid operation and provide better integration of distributed generation, including wind and solar systems."

The commission plans a first meeting on REV on May 12 with a status report by July 10, and final recommendations by the end of the year or early 2015.

Craig Wolf: 845-437-4815; cwolf@poughkeepsiejournal.com; Twitter: @craigwolfPJ