POTSDAM -- Clarkson University researchers are conducting an energy study in Lake Placid and Tupper Lake that could help the two villages reduce their electricity costs through a process called “peak shaving.”

An energy storage peak shaving feasibility study for Tupper Lake and Lake Placid municipal electric departments will investigate the use of battery energy storage to “peak shave,” a technique that reduces consumption of power from a New York Power Authority allocation through the grid during periods of maximum demand, according to a  press release from the Adirondack North Country Association.

"This is an interesting time for battery energy systems, with significant performance improvements and declining costs,” said Thomas Ortmeyer, Research Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering at Clarkson University and lead researcher for the project. “Our study investigating using battery systems to better manage the electric grid power draw has the potential to lower costs for Tupper Lake and Lake Placid Municipal Electric District customers. We are looking forward to working with these districts and ANCA on this project."

Adirondack North Country Association (ANCA) Energy Circuit Riders (ECRs) worked with Lake Placid and Tupper Lake municipal leaders to identify their initial interest in using batteries to peak shave. ANCA ECRs, who serve as field agents for ANCA’s Clean Energy Program, also assisted with developing the grant proposal for the study. The Clean Energy Program focuses on advancing clean energy efforts in the region by helping communities plan, finance and implement energy efficiency and renewable energy projects.

The energy storage project will analyze energy costs and patterns with energy loads to determine the potential benefits of peak shaving in Lake Placid and Tupper Lake. The two municipalities own their electric departments and receive a fixed amount of hydropower from the New York State Power Authority (NYPA). Once they surpass their fixed allocation from NYPA, their price for power increases substantially due to open market pricing.

The study will determine if it is feasible to use battery storage to avoid those instances where the municipalities cross over from their hydropower allocation to the open market. Researchers hope to identify whether battery storage can be used to keep the villages within their allocation and avoid the added expenses of the open market.

The project is being funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), with additional cost sharing funds from Clarkson University.

Questions about the study may be directed to Thomas Ortmeyer at tortmeye@clarkson.edu or (315) 268-4035.