Schneider Electric is developing an Energy Savings Improvement Program (ESIP) for Jersey City, NJ with the aim of reducing operational costs, improving energy resiliency, and leveraging energy savings to use on urgent capital infrastructure projects. The ESIP will include a microgrid that will utilize a 1.23 MW solar panel array installed last year to provide power so that city facilities can continue operating through power outages with a 100% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. Schneider’s plan for 22 city facilities also includes more rooftop solar, LED lighting, upgrades to heating, ventilation and air conditioning systems, transformer replacements, combined heat and power systems, and renewable energy credits and carbon dioxide offsets.
The city has been looking at microgrids as a way to protect important facilities from power outages since 2012, when Superstorm Sandy hit causing about $30 billion in damages. The city expects Schneider’s energy savings plan will save the city $21 million over 20 years and provide $19 million to pay for capital improvements.
“Having experienced Superstorm Sandy and, more recently, witnessing the devastating power outages in Texas last month, we’ve been working to establish a strong and resilient infrastructure to keep our community safe and healthy, every day and through every level of emergency,” Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop said. “This microgrid and the entire [energy savings] program will serve as a national resiliency model saving us millions of dollars and significantly reducing our carbon footprint, while improving air quality and the overall health and quality of life for our residents.”
The City Council of Jersey City recently agreed to hire Gabel Associates to review the energy savings improvement program and expects to vote on Schneider’s plan at an April 2021 meeting.