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The New York Electrical Grid: Technology and Changes for the Future

New York City was a pioneer in the use of electrical power when it was first harnessed for residences and businesses. However, the New York electrical grid is now showing its age, and city residents are dealing with many problems when it comes to their power. Here’s a look at the issue, as well as what New York has planned to help improve utility access and consistency and what you can do as a New York City property owner or manager in case you have a power emergency in your building.

Challenges to the New York Electrical Grid

Multiple concerns

Are you knowledgeable about where electricity in New York City comes from? There are essentially two power grids in the state of New York. One is upstate and has a much higher percentage of clean power (AKA renewable energy) supplying it. The other grid powers the metropolitan region around New York City and relies more on fossil fuels. Ideally, the state would like to phase out those expensive and environmentally harmful fossil fuel sources, but connecting the two grids isn’t possible with the current transmission lines.

The problems with New York City’s grid extend beyond limited growth ability and environmental friendliness. Its age and fragility are causing failures, especially when factoring in an increase in severe weather due to climate change. Excess heat stresses the grid at both its source and destinations. When hot weather hits, the additional use of air conditioners and fans strains power capacity, sometimes causing brownouts and blackouts. Heavy rainfall, flooding, and high winds can take out power lines and damage transformers, plus storms uproot trees that also damage lines.

New York Plans to Improve the Grid in the Future

Cleaner energy and new technology

There has been a movement, currently supported by Governor Kathy Hochul, to unify the two grids for cleaner electrical power throughout the entire state. The goal is to increase New York’s renewable power sources from the current 30 percent to 70 percent by 2030. By 2040, the state hopes to eliminate all fossil fuel sources completely, becoming carbon-free (AKA “zero carbon emissions”).

However, these plans are meeting hurdles with regard to both feasibility – the so-called “reliability margins” that create a buffer for sufficient resources and transmission during periods of change – and legislative support, which is unfortunately often influenced by fossil fuel interests and the investment markets.

So, while some construction is already underway, the initial goals may not be met as planned. To help keep New York City on track, the Mayor’s Office of Climate and Environmental Justice implemented PowerUp NYC, a process to help the city reach its clean energy goals by initiating renewable energy projects, like more use of solar energy, over the next four years.

How to Make Your Property More Energy Efficient

Save money and help the environment

How can your property in New York City help the state move toward fewer carbon emissions? Buildings of all sizes can make strides toward more renewables and less wasted energy with these methods:

• Make sure you are up to date with requirements pertaining to the Climate Mobilization Act and Local Law 97, which are aimed at reducing emissions now and in the future for New York City’s largest buildings (generally over 25,000 square feet). Budget now for changes you must make to stay current with regulations over the next few years.
• Make additions and renovations with an eye toward greener technology (insulation, lighting, HVAC, etc.) that uses less energy.
• Reduce energy use using the components that are already in your building. Make sure your property is well sealed and insulated to prevent heat loss. Keep your boiler and HVAC in good shape to reduce wasted fuel and harmful emissions. Switch from high-draw incandescent bulbs to LED light bulbs that use less electricity and last longer. Get rid of old energy-hogging appliances in return for energy-efficient ones – you and your occupants will appreciate it the next time the grid is stressed.
• Protect the existing electrical infrastructure in your neighborhood from storm and water damage. Consider replacing pavement and hardscaping with greenspaces that act like sponges for rainfall and snowmelt. Remove trash that blocks storm drains so water doesn’t flood the street in front of your property. Install sump pumps in low-lying areas to prevent rising water in the building’s interior.

How to Protect Your Property in Case of Utility Disruptions

Smart emergency preparation

Meanwhile, there are several actions you can take in case there is a power outage before the New York electrical grid can be improved:

• Think about installing a backup generator, or better yet, store solar power in case of a blackout. Keep some small power packs handy for charging electronics and keeping essential lights on.
• Ensure your emergency lighting and signage are working properly in the event you need to evacuate your building during a severe weather emergency.
• Have a reliable plumber on speed dial in case of water damage from any cause, including a frozen or burst pipe.
• Educate tenants about carbon monoxide poisoning, which can occur during power outages when people try to heat their units with a gas stove or cook indoors with a barbecue grill meant strictly for outside.

Whether you want to upgrade your electrical components to be more sustainable or need help making sure your emergency lighting is up to code, Bolt Electric is here to help. Schedule a service appointment by calling 212-434-0098 today.