News Archive Article

VRB Power Systems to help modernize the grid

WASHINGTON, D.C. - VRB Power Systems Inc. has been identified by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) as part of a project selected by the DOE for federal funding to help increase efficiency in the nation's electricity grid.

To significantly reduce peak load and measurably improve power reliability at the Santa Rita Jail, the project will integrate solar energy, fuel cell, energy storage and control systems. (Duration: 3 years; Cost: $7 million federal/$7 million non-federal). For more information, please refer to the announcement released by the DOE at http://www.energy.gov/news/6170.htm.

The Renewable and Distributed Systems Integration (RDSI) technologies demonstrated in these projects aim to reduce peak load electricity demand by at least 15 percent at distribution feeders-the power lines delivering electricity to consumers-and are part of the Bush Administration's ongoing efforts to enhance the efficiency and reliability of the nation's energy infrastructure to ensure a reliable supply of energy to all Americans.

"Cutting-edge technologies that enhance the efficiency and dependability of the nation's electricity grid are critical to the Bush Administration's overarching goal of ensuring an affordable and reliable supply of electricity to the American people," Assistant Secretary Kolevar said. "These proposals will help to increase reliability in our electricity grid by defraying both the cost and effort associated with upgrading distribution lines or adding new generation capacity to meet peak electrical load, furthering our ongoing efforts to increase national economic and energy security."

The projects were selected in response to DOE's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability (OE) April 2007 Funding Opportunity Announcement seeking applications for research and development activities to improve the security of controls systems for energy delivery and increase the use of distributed generation during peak load periods. Negotiations between selected applicants and OE will begin immediately to determine final project plans and funding levels.

Related News

oeb chart

Electricity rates are about to change across Ontario

TORONTO - Electricity rates are about to change for users across Ontario.

On November 1, households and small businesses will see their electricity rates go down under the Ontario Energy Board's (OEB) Regulated Price Plan.

Customer's on the OEB's tiered pricing plan will also see their bills lowered on November 1, as winter time-of-use hours and the seasonal change in the killowatt-hour threshold take effect.

Off-peak time-of-use hours will run from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. during weekdays, and all day on weekends and holidays. On-peak hours will be from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on weekdays,…

READ MORE
hydro dam

Power grab: 5 arrested after Hydro-Québec busts electricity theft ring

READ MORE

new jersey powerlines

New Jersey, New York suspending utility shut-offs amid coronavirus pandemic

READ MORE

Seaspan Reliant

Electricity and water do mix: How electric ships are clearing the air on the B.C. coast

READ MORE

Iran, Iraq Discuss Further Cooperation in Energy Sector

Iran, Iraq Discuss Further Cooperation in Energy Sector

READ MORE