New Mexico to cut peak energy use

PNM & EnerNOC agreement part of state’s smart energy management

July 8, 2009 -- SANTA FE -- New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson today announced the State of New Mexico is working to cut energy use during peak demand periods by participating in PNM’s PeakSaver program operated by EnerNOC.

“The State of New Mexico is committed to exploring new and innovative ways to make our energy use smarter and more efficient,” Governor Richardson said. “This partnership will play a key role in our Lead by Example Initiative and will relieve some of the strain on our electric grid during peak energy use periods."

Governor Richardson’s “Lead by Example” Initiative calls for all Executive Branch state agencies to reduce their energy usage by 20% below 2005 levels by 2015.

Ten state government buildings managed by the General Services Department’s Building Services Division (GSD/BSD) are participating in the PeakSaver Program. On days when PNM expects to exceed available electric generating capacity, an “event” can be called, and participants in the program will have their consumption curtailed, remotely, by EnerNOC. This can allow PNM to buy less electricity on the very expensive spot market, and reduce loads on the PNM transmission system. At no time will any critical services be affected by the demand reduction.

The PeakSaver program provides a means for the savings PNM experiences to be shared with the customer, in this case, the New Mexico taxpayers. GSD/BSD will be able to offset some utility costs with payments from EnerNOC, thus saving taxpayer dollars and helping to keep electricity rates low for all customers throughout the region.

“In this economic climate we’re particularly budget conscious. Demand response gives us an opportunity to benefit state government and the taxpayers of New Mexico,” said Dave Simpson, Director of the Building Services Division. “Additionally, this partnership provides another way to lead by example in terms of responsible energy management."

The state buildings participating in the PeakSaver Program include the Bataan Memorial and Paul Bardacke/Villagra Complex at the Central Campus; the PERA Building at the East Campus; the Joseph Montoya, Harold L. Runnels, Manuel Lujan, Sr. and the Wendell Chino buildings in the South Campus; and the Willie Ortiz and Toney Anaya Buildings at the West Campus.

“New Mexico state government is participating in this demand response program because it allows us to use Smart Grid technologies,” said Erik Aaboe, New Mexico’s Energy Efficiency Lead by Example Coordinator. “It helps to reduce peak demand for the region and gives us more information on our energy consumption."

“We’re pleased that the State of New Mexico has agreed to partner with EnerNOC for demand response,” said EnerNOC Chairman and CEO Tim Healy. “By participating, the state is helping to maximize the effectiveness of its energy resources while increasing sustainability in its government facilities."

This contract with the State of New Mexico is one of a series of agreements EnerNOC has signed with state and local governments, most recently including the City of Boston, and the States of Rhode Island, Connecticut and Vermont.

“Governor Richardson’s ‘Lead by Example” energy efficiency initiative is a top priority at GSD,” said GSD Cabinet Secretary Arturo L. Jaramillo. “The PeakSaver Program is one of several steps we are taking through new technology to reduce energy consumption and save taxpayer money."

Source: New Mexico Governor