Con Edison Calls for Non-Pipeline Solutions to Manage Natural Gas Demand
New York gas provider Con Edison published notification that it is launching a Smart Solutions for Natural Gas Customers Program in order to manage the growth of peak demand and advance environmentally-sound energy, while considering the overall cost impact to customers. The program is designed to meet customers’ heating needs cost effectively and contribute to the achievement of state and local environmental goals, without requiring the development of new pipelines.
Con Edison will issue an RFP in mid-December for non-pipeline solutions to help reduce natural gas demand, particularly calling for innovative and substantial non-pipeline projects that can reduce winter peak day gas load or provide gas supplies from local alternatives.
Large contracts are available and proposals can address either the supply or demand side. Solutions could include, but are not limited to:
- energy efficiency
- beneficial electrification of space or water heating
- demand response programs
- provision of biogas
- distributed natural gas storage, CNG, or LNG
- and/or other projects that can offset the need for incremental pipeline capacity.
Con Edison delivers gas to 1.1 million customers in Manhattan, the Bronx, parts of Queens, and most of Westchester County. Demand for natural gas has grown substantially in recent years, and is expected to continue growing throughout the next 20 years.