Case Study: State of Vermont reduces peak energy demand with VEIC thermal energy storage

Unlocking hidden energy storage to relieve peak demand

The State of Vermont faced the challenge of high electricity demand peaks, which forced its utilities to purchase expensive power from fossil fuel generators, leading to increased greenhouse gas emissions and higher utility rates. To address this, the state worked with VEIC, which utilized its Program Solutions and Decarbonization Planning capabilities to facilitate a partnership.

VEIC, operating through its Efficiency Vermont program, implemented a solution using thermal energy storage. They helped revive an unused ice storage system at the Brattleboro Retreat hospital, allowing it to shift its cooling demand to off-peak hours. This reduced the hospital's peak energy demand by over 115 kW, saving it $24,000 in the first year, while also reducing grid strain and GHG emissions for utility Green Mountain Power.

State of Vermont

Rebecca Foster

Director of Efficiency