Central Hudson Expands Distributed Energy Resource Capabilities

Modernize and adapt in the midst of Distributed Energy Resources expansion

Alternative energy powers innovation at Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation. Homes with rooftop solar panels and expansive, commercial solar farms are part of the utility’s 2,600 square-mile service area between the northern New York City suburbs and the state capital of Albany.

Transitioning away from a traditional distribution model in a territory covering nearly 400,000 electric and natural gas customers isn’t as simple as flipping a switch. Technology has helped the utility seize the opportunity for new grid controls while ensuring quality and reliability as demand evolves.

 Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corporation

Central Hudson Gas & Electric delivers electricity and natural gas to residents of a 2,600-square-mile (6,700 km2) service territory that extends north from the suburbs of metropolitan New York City to the Capital District at Albany. It is a subsidiary of Fortis Inc., a diversified electric utility holding company based in Canada, though Central Hudson is headquartered in Poughkeepsie, New York.

The utility found their solution in a wireless communication processing tool they had begun to implement with longtime partner Sensus, a Xylem brand. Post and his team deployed the Sensus Remote Telemetry Module (RTM II) initially to monitor grid conditions and protect against outages. The Distribution Automation (DA) system uses Intelligent Electronic Devices placed strategically across their network to help them monitor and control distribution assets.

Central Hudson has expanded the DA solution to include monitoring and control of Distributed Energy Resources (DERs), which encompass small-sized power generation units that attach to the grid and enable the utility to introduce renewable energy sources, such as solar power.

Solar on the grid

The utility’s engineering team came up with a design for a direct transfer trip, or (DTT) system that would communicate from the interoperable RTM II with circuit breakers and reclosers. The system can automatically isolate a DER when a condition exists that can lead to excessive reverse power flow or overvoltage is detected and help ensure grid stability.

• [Efficiency Improvement - Asset Utilization]
  

  The simulations confirmed energy efficiency and improved asset management as well as an opportunity to further enhance cybersecurity