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Demand Response Event Flyer - Save the Grid.pdf450 NYC Public School buildings have committed to the Demand Response program to help the City reduce electricity during periods of peak electric demand, preventing brownouts and blackouts. During a Demand Response event, an entire building curtails its electricity use to reduce stress on the electricity grid.
We earn revenue for participating in the Demand Response Program and reinvest that money back into energy efficiency building upgrades, Sustainability Project Grants, and other sustainability initiatives for our schools.
Demand Response Programs
Demand Response Programs
With Demand Response (DR) Programs, NYC Public Schools partner with the City on its resilience efforts. We have the largest participation due to the size of our agency.
Two distinct DR programs run at different times of the year. In summer, it is for the electric grid. In winter, it is for natural gas supply. Extreme temperatures, like extreme heat and extreme cold, put energy infrastructure at risk. This could result in power outages or no heat.
When utility companies determine a heat or cold emergency might threaten their ability to provide heating or cooling, they call a Demand Response event for a set period of time.
The Two Types of Demand Response Programs:
The Two Types of Demand Response Programs:
Electricity: 450 school buildings take part in DR during emergency events when called to reduce the risk of power outages during extreme heat (like a hot summer day). We do this by turning off lighting in unoccupied spaces or reducing elevator service and equipment use where possible.
Natural Gas: 85 school buildings participate to protect National Grid’s gas supply during extreme cold. We do this to help ensure New Yorkers have a reliable heat source.
Since this program offsets energy consumption during critical times, the City protects residents and saves money on utility bills. As a result, NYC Public Schools receives a share of revenue from performance in Demand Response events.
We reinvest funding in buildings to make them more efficient and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. In the 2022-23 school year, we funded energy improvement projects in 66 schools.
We also use that funding for the Annual Sustainability Project Grant Program.
Demand Response is a great opportunity for NYC Public Schools to gain incentives while taking climate action.
Check to see if your school is in the Demand Response program and for more resources.
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