Central Hudson Gas & Electric hits solar energy milestone
Central Hudson Gas & Electric Corp. in New York State has reached a milestone, generating 100 megawatts (MW) of solar energy capacity.
“Installed solar capacity by residents, businesses and developers in our region reached 100.9 MW, an indication of the growth in local renewable sources of energy,” Charles Freni, president and CEO of the Poughkeepsie, N.Y.-based company, said. “Because solar resources generate electricity during daylight hours, this level of capacity can supply the average electricity use of up to 16,000 homes, with the potential to reduce carbon emissions by 38,000 tons.”
The service in the Hudson River region of New York has more than 8,900 customer and developer-owned solar electric systems, which is, per capita, among the most in the state. Also, an additional 326 solar systems in the region are proposed, representing 287 MW of installed capacity.
“Along with installations taking place at homes and businesses throughout our region, there is growing interest in the development of community solar projects known as Community Distributed Generation, or CDG,” Freni said.
CDG’s allow customers to purchase energy produced by solar, hydropower, and other renewable sources if they are unable to install their own systems. There are currently five solar and three hydro CDG facilities connected to Central Hudson’s system. These facilities offer electric supply through separate agreements. Customers who purchase electricity from these facilities are credited for that energy on their Central Hudson bills, Freni explained.
“We’re proud of our leadership position in New York, thanks to the commitment shown by local solar professionals, the high level of interest in renewable energy by our customers and Central Hudson’s programs and initiatives to facilitate solar connections to the utility grid,” Freni said. “Central Hudson’s ongoing investments in the electric system and adoption of new technologies will also enable greater integration of clean, renewable sources of energy developed in our region.”
