Logical Buildings presented a $70,678 GridRewards check to the City School District of New Rochelle. In partnership with Sustainable Westchester, New Rochelle schools made a huge impact last summer by cutting their energy use when it mattered most. During peak demand hours—times when the electric grid is under the most strain—the district responded by adjusting cooling schedules, modifying temperature setpoints, and ensuring energy wasn’t wasted. The result? A nearly 1MW reduction in electricity use, the equivalent of taking 1,000 homes off the grid during peak hours.

This is not New Rochelle's first time stepping up for sustainability. In 2023, the city demonstrated its commitment to energy efficiency through the participation of five schools in the GridRewards program. Collectively, they earned an impressive $23,943 in demand response revenue while reducing energy usage by approximately 700 kW. Their efforts contributed to a more resilient grid and a more sustainable community.

In 2024, New Rochelle made an extraordinary leap forward in its energy-saving efforts. The number of participating schools doubled from five to ten, and the district’s total rebate skyrocketed by an astounding 195% compared to 2023. The energy reduction across these schools also saw a remarkable 22.8% increase, cutting usage by approximately 863 kW. This level of improvement is a testament to the city’s growing commitment to sustainability and the effectiveness of the GridRewards program. Logical Buildings’ SmartKit AI technology played a crucial role, alerting facilities staff of peak energy demand hours and enabling the district to maximize its reductions. Keith Watkins, Director of Facilities for the City School District of New Rochelle, expressed his enthusiasm for the program, stating, "I am honored and thrilled about the collaboration with our partners, Sustainable Westchester and Logical Buildings, to not only receive funds that will benefit our students but also to have a positive impact on the environment and our community. I'm looking forward to a wonderful future and watching this program grow to make an even bigger impact on our future students."