Grid Decarbonization

In Progress
Photo by Pixabay on Pexels

Grid decarbonization is the process of reducing or eliminating the carbon emitted by the grid. The City estimates grid decarbonization will reduce energy demand by 23 percent. However, electricity demand will increase due to the transition to electric vehicles and buildings. If renewable sources are used, the increased demand will not add to the emissions level on the grid, while the emissions for transportation and the built environment will be sharply reduced.

OUR INTERPRETATION

All sub-goals for Grid Decarbonization are underway, including plans for community, rooftop and ground-mounted solar, distribution upgrades and storage. Details for the CCA program were presented at a recent meeting of the Sustainability and Climate Justice Commission for the City of Ithaca. See the slides attached to the meeting agenda here.

Utility-Scale Solar Energy Storage

In Progress

Non-wires alternatives (NWAs) use distributed energy resources and microgrids to defer or replace the installation of more traditional “wires and poles” infrastructure. When utilities choose non-wires alternatives, they often save ratepayers money by avoiding investments in costly infrastructure. From an environmental perspective, NWAs may cut carbon emissions through the use of renewable energy that avoids fossil fuel-fired plants. They can also reduce line losses, boost efficiency and shift loads.

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By May 2023: The City will deliver a plan for utility scale energy storage as non-wires alternatives.

Distribution Upgrades

In Progress

Distribution refers to the system that carries electricity over poles and wires from the energy source to homes and businesses. Making smart grid upgrades can provide a more responsive system. 

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By January 2027: In coordination with utility companies, plan and deliver required upgrades to distribution system.

Community Choice Aggregation

In Progress

Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) allows local governments to procure power on behalf of their residents, businesses, and municipal accounts from an alternative supplier while still receiving distribution and transmission service from their existing utility provider. By aggregating demand, communities gain leverage to negotiate better rates with competitive suppliers and choose greener power sources. CCA’s may also make it easier to balance peak and off-peak usages of electricity, especially if combining business and residential buildings.

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By May 2023: The City will propose a Community Choice Aggregation (CCA) law to the Planning and Economic Development Committee (PEDC).

Rooftop Solar

In Progress

Rooftop solar harnesses the power of the sun through panels installed on the roof of a building. Under the IGND, there is a potential for extensive solar panel installations on the roofs of buildings and parking garages.

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By January 2023: The City will document and publish a plan to deploy 5MW of rooftop solar capability to the municipality.
  • By January 2025: The City will fully implement the plan.

Ground-Mounted Solar

In Progress

Ground-mounted solar harnesses the power of the sun through panels installed at ground level. It is similar to rooftop solar and may be more efficient.

What criteria are we using to measure progress?
  • By January 2023: The City will document and publish a plan to deploy 5MW of ground mounted solar capability to the municipality using low-grade farm land or open land adjoining highways.
  • By January 2025: The City will fully implement the plan.

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