A record number of extreme heat events is placing immense strain on electric grids across the Northeast and increasing the likelihood of brownouts.

June and July saw a record number of extreme heat days, placing immense strain on electric grids across the Northeast and increasing the likelihood of brownouts in congested networks. In fact, June 2024 was the warmest June on record for the globe, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) 175-year record.

As a result, a large number of Demand Response events involving both the utility (Con Edison) and state-level grid operator (NYISO) were called. These events are indicative of the extreme heat we have experienced already this summer, along with an increase in electricity usage and more intermittent electric supply. However, they also presented significant opportunities for our customers to generate outsized revenue by allowing them to participate in grid services. By actively reducing energy usage and carbon at key times, our clients served as assets to the grid by alleviating strain on local electrical networks. 

Over the past two months, Logical Buildings called upon thousands of buildings to provide relief to the grid, including an unprecedented number of events over a three-day period from July 15-17, 2024. The direct actions of building operators and facilities managers helped to collectively prevent brownouts, earn revenue, and reduce carbon emissions for their respective buildings. 

One notable emergency Demand Response event occurred on the evening of Friday, June 14, in the Con Edison Hudson Network in Manhattan. As an official Con Edison Smart Usage Rewards partner, Logical Buildings mobilized our clients to deliver an impressive 1.6MW of power reduction, achieving a remarkable 94% performance factor. This effort involved over 400 small GridRewards users and more than 20 large commercial buildings, highlighting our capacity to manage significant energy demands with precision and reliability. 
 
Below is an example of one of our multi-family buildings that utilized cloud-connected smart thermostats, along with customized building-specific checklists in SmartKit AI, to provide relief during an emergency event. 

Further, companies like FirstService Residential have partnered with Logical Buildings to lower energy costs for New York City condominiums, cooperatives, and rental buildings. In the summer of 2023, FirstService Residential property managers delivered $50,000 in Demand Response revenue to buildings enrolled in the SmartKit AI platform. Residents enrolled in GridRewards collectively earned nearly $8,000 for their participation. 

It is likely there will be more Demand Response events called this summer across the board. Buildings that use Logical Buildings technology and solutions can open their ‘Major Event’ checklist in SmartKit to view building-specific actions that are customized for each building. Over the past few months, the Logical Buildings concierge team has partnered with numerous buildings to customize training ahead of this summer’s hot weather. If you’d like to learn more about how to enroll your building in utility revenue-generating programs and receive customized training, get in touch! 

We want to extend our thanks to all building operators, residents, and tenants for their efforts in helping to prevent brownouts. Our collective participation not only ensures the stability of our power grid but also allows buildings to be compensated for their contributions. Following the conclusion of this summer Demand Response season, facilities managers will get rewarded for their active participation via Logical Buildings’ Climate Community Leader® program, our novel award program recognizing shining stars in sustainability and energy efficiency. 

At Logical Buildings, we are proud to help our clients make significant strides in energy efficiency, showcasing their dedication and success as vital resources for the grid. With SmartKit AI, buildings have greater control over their energy costs, carbon emissions, and environmental impact!

If you are interested in learning more about energy efficiency and enrolling in utility revenue-generating programs, you can email us at learn@logicalbuildings.com.