National Grid has issued a Request for Proposals from aggregators and providers of distributed energy resources (DER), such as demand response, electric vehicle charging, and energy storage, to provide Term- and Auto-Dynamic Load Management (DLM) solutions for the company’s upstate New York service area — contributing to a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy system that meets the long-term needs of customers and communities. 

National Grid’s demand response programs aim to increase system flexibility and reduce costs for electric customers. They play an integral role in supporting New York State’s nation-leading climate goals, including energy storage targets as outlined by the Climate Leadership and Community Protection Act.

The company is accepting bids for Term-DLM, seeking over 100 megawatts of system-wide load relief solutions within a 21-hour timeframe, and Auto-DLM, seeking a total of 9.39 megawatts of rapid load relief solutions targeting specific locations — including Tonawanda, Rome, Cohoes, Albany, and Cobleskill/Howes Cave — to reduce local peak loading and support system reliability. 

Flexibility providers with the facility to either increase or decrease their electricity consumption and with a minimum of 50 kilowatts aggregated capacity can participate. Successful bidders will be awarded a three-year contract for term-DLM and/or a five-year contract for Auto-DLM.

National Grid has offered demand response programs for both commercial and residential customers across its service territories for several years to reduce overall electricity demand during times of peak electricity use, including the hottest days of summer — helping to ensure all customers have their power needs met when needed most. 

Bids for Term-DLM and Auto-DLM must be submitted by the March 1, 2024 deadline. National Grid will notify bidders of their status by March 31, 2024, and accepted portfolios will commence participation on May 1, 2025. Providers must register on Piclo Flex to participate.  

A pre-bid webinar is scheduled for December 14, 2023. Visit National Grid’s Term-DLM and Auto-DLM Program Request for Proposals page to learn more.

National Grid is also leveraging Piclo Flex for Non-Wires Alternatives program opportunities, and will be releasing more details of the first competition in early 2024. 

About National Grid

National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future — transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.