Schneider Electric, Duke Energy Renewables Awarded PEER Platinum Certification for Montgomery County, Maryland PSHQ Microgrid
BOSTON, April 16, 2019, /3BL Media/ – Schneider Electric, the global specialist in the digital transformation of energy management and automation and Duke Energy Renewables today announced their advanced microgrid serving the Montgomery County, Maryland, Public Safety Headquarters (PSHQ) has achieved Performance Excellence in Electricity Renewal (PEER) certification. PEER is the nation’s first comprehensive, consumer-centric, outcome-driven system for evaluating and improving system performance.
Issued by Green Business Certification Inc.™ (GBCI), PEER is a comprehensive framework for defining, specifying and assessing sustainable performance of power generation, transmission and distribution. This PEER certification validates the performance advantage of Schneider Electric and Duke Energy Renewables’ collaborative project to install two advanced microgrids that serve Montgomery County, independently quantifying the value streams that the microgrid system offers.
“GBCI recognizes the changing energy landscape and honors organizations that are leading best practices for managing energy and sustainability,” said Mark Feasel, VP Smart Grid and Microgrid, Schneider Electric. “The PEER Certification process provides a roadmap for continuous improvement and a benchmark for microgrid designs that maximize performance outcomes and savings. We’re pleased to be part of this project, which paves a path for the industry to transform electrical systems for enhanced energy efficiency, sustainability and reliability.”
The county’s advanced microgrid is part of a larger project for Schneider Electric and Duke Energy Renewable to deploy two advanced microgrids for both Montgomery County PSHQ and Correctional Facility, which are critical buildings that require continuous access to resilient power to ensure operational integrity. The systems will produce approximately 3.3 million kilowatt hours of solar energy each year, equivalent to powering about 400 average homes, as well as 7.4 million kilowatt hours of combined heat and power. The on-site power generation at the two facilities is also projected to jointly reduce yearly greenhouse gas emissions by 3,629 metric tons, ensuring cleaner, more reliable and efficient power for the people of Montgomery County.
PEER certification identifies outstanding project performance in the following areas:
- Electricity reliability and resiliency – Ensures the reliable delivery of electricity, as well as reduced power interruptions and quality issues.
- Energy efficiency and environment – Assesses the environmental impact of electricity generation and transmission, and the adoption of clean and efficient energy.
- Operational effectiveness – Leverages value gap analysis to identify and eliminate energy waste.
- Consumer contribution – Assesses customer contributions to grid service, investment and innovation.
“Schneider Electric’s drive to transform and innovate power grid systems signifies its dedication to reliability, resiliency and the environment,” said Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, U.S. Green Building Council and GBCI. “Through its PEER certification, Schneider Electric will be able to continually assess and verify the overall sustainable performance of its electricity delivery system
design and operation.
According to GBCI standards, the Montgomery County PSHQ is a notable microgrid model that’s grid independent, exceeds regional priority credits and has demonstrated exceptional performances such as meeting 33 percent of total energy consumption from onsite solar and 66 percent from an onsite CHP system, as well as achieving a 100 percent underground cable network.
Projects that meet all requirements are awarded PEER certification in recognition of outstanding performance. The PEER criteria are designed to reward implementation of industry best practices and encourage the adoption of new, innovative strategies. PEER helps industry stakeholders improve system performance by providing operators with a framework for continuous improvement and performance assessment that leads to greater efficiency, reduction in carbon emissions and greater power quality.
For more information about Schneider Electric’s microgrid solutions, please visit schneiderelectric.com/microgrid.
About Schneider Electric
Schneider Electric is leading the Digital Transformation of Energy Management and Automation in Homes, Buildings, Data Centers, Infrastructure and Industries. With global presence in over 100 countries, Schneider is the undisputable leader in Power Management – Medium Voltage, Low Voltage and Secure Power, and in Automation Systems. We provide integrated efficiency solutions, combining energy, automation and software. In our global Ecosystem, we collaborate with the largest Partner, Integrator and Developer Community on our Open Platform to deliver real-time control and operational efficiency. We believe that great people and partners make Schneider a great company and that our commitment to Innovation, Diversity and Sustainability ensures that Life Is On everywhere, for everyone and at every moment.
About Green Business Certification Inc. (GBCI)
GBCI is the premier organization independently recognizing excellence in green business industry performance and practice globally. Established in 2008, GBCI exclusively administers project certifications and professional credentials and certificates within the framework of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) green building rating systems, as well as the PEER standard for power systems, the WELL building standard, the Sustainable SITES Initiative (SITES), Parksmart, EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies), Zero Waste, Investor Confidence Project (ICP) for energy efficiency retrofits and the GRESB benchmark, which is used by institutional investors to improve the sustainability performance of the global property sector.
Media Contact
Schneider Electric
Dave Smith
Tel.: 978-502.9607
david.smith.us@schneider-electric.com
