Non-Wires Alternative Opportunities
Central Hudson’s Non-Wires Alternative Initiatives
Central Hudson is actively pursuing distributed energy resource (DER) alternatives to traditional utility projects, known as “Non-Wires Alternatives.” Through Non-Wires Alternatives, Central Hudson can defer or eliminate the need for transmission & distribution infrastructure upgrades, meeting the dynamic needs of the electric system while reducing future rate pressure. As part of the capital planning process, Central Hudson uses the following suitability criteria to identify opportunities:
|
Criteria |
Potential Elements Addressed |
|
|
Project Type Suitability |
Project types include Load Relief and Reliability*. Other categories currently have minimal suitability and will be reviewed as suitability changes due to State policy or technological changes. | |
|
Timeline Suitability |
Large Project |
36 to 60 months |
|
Small Project |
18 to 24 months |
|
|
Cost Suitability |
Large Project |
> $1M |
|
Small Project |
> $300k |
|
*Reliability projects entail projects for remote single source regions or customer requested enhanced reliability projects (i.e., redundant supplies).
Non-Wires Alternative Opportunities
Central Hudson has four NWA projects currently underway. Three projects have already been implemented and one is in the procurement phase.
|
Project Name/Description |
Project Type |
Need Timing |
Project Size |
Procurement & Development Timeline |
Estimated RFP Timing |
|
Northwest Corridor / Transmission Upgrade |
Load Relief |
May 2019 |
Large |
54 months |
Nov 2014 |
|
Merritt Park / (2) Distribution Feeder Upgrades |
Load Relief |
May 2019 |
Small |
54 months |
Nov 2014 |
Northwest Corridor: This system need and project was identified in the 2015 planning process. To successfully defer a transmission upgrade, 11.6 MW of load relief is needed by 2029.
Merritt Park: This system need and project was identified in the 2015 planning process. To successfully defer the upgrade of two distribution feeders, 1 MW of load relief is needed by 2027.
Additional Information on Planning & Procurement Processes
- Central Hudson’s capital investment plan can be found here.
- More information on Central Hudson’s DER planning & procurement process can be found within the Joint Utilities Supplemental Information on the Non-Wires Alternatives Identification and Sourcing Process and Notification