Note from the Node - Peakbusting!

[Natalee Braun]

Dear Chittenden Node member:

Would you welcome a simple action you can take to accelerate the transition to renewable energy in our community? Have you heard of “peak busting”??

At times of peak demand for electricity, many utilities and grid systems turn on their oldest and dirtiest power plants to fill the extra demand. These peaks of demand usually occur on the coldest and hottest days of the year, when use of heating or air conditioning is highest. 

These older, little-used plants pollute more, operate less efficiently, and run at higher cost. In New England, these older plants are all powered with fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change and emit an array of toxic pollutants. Intermittent use also produces emissions spikes during startup and shutdown. Keeping these old fossil fuel plants operating is expensive and diverts resources that could be invested in alternative energy sources. 

Our grid operator, ISO New England, is resistant to closing these polluting plants, convinced that fossil fuel burning is needed. But customers can work together to reduce demand during peak periods. Energy conservation and renewable energy can eliminate the need for these backup (or “peaker”) plants and save customers money. Strategically timed electricity conservation can undermine the arguments for keeping these plants open. As ratepayers, we can collectively reduce our use of electricity when spikes in demand are forecast.

If you would like to join this movement, please contact Rebecca Dalgin, reb...@350vt.org. 

Additional resources:

• www.350vermont.org/peakbusters
• Handout: Peaker Plants & Peakbusting
• How do I peak-bust? from No Coal No Gas
• If you are doing outreach in Chittenden County our Outreach Toolkit. 

Thanks to Mary Andrews for this Note from the Node