Thermal Energy Storage (TES) Program Update

REU and our contractor, Ice Energy, Inc., have been surveying and conducting site evaluations of all commercial and industrial buildings in Redding over the past several months as part of the REU’s Energy Storage/Peak Load Reduction Program. This comprehensive survey was recently completed to determine the market potential for cost-effective applications of the Ice Bear, Thermal Energy Storage (TES) systems in our community. This is part of REU’s expanding Energy Storage Program that will reduce air conditioning demand for participants while at the same time improve the operating efficiency and reduce costs for REU (which benefits all customers).

The preliminary survey results are very positive and we have identified a significant number of sites (and associated air conditioners) that may be good candidates for participation the program. Utility staff continues to sort through an extensive amount of data from the site evaluations to determine the most cost-effective installation sites that provide the maximum benefit to all REU customers. Because of the overwhelming customer interest and support for this Program and the large potential for associated peak load shifting, on June 19, 2012, REU will be asking the Redding City Council to consider a long-term extension of the Utility’s Energy Storage Program with Ice Energy and increase the amount of permanent load shifting through the installation of many more Ice Bears throughout our community.

Should a contract extension with Ice Energy earn City Council approval on June 19th, REU will be contacting all customers whose facilities have been deemed “good candidates” for Ice Bear installation or need further review and consideration. We will be working as quickly as possible to complete the related tasks and we ask our customers’ patience as we proceed. REU and Ice Energy will continue to install Ice Bears that will permanently shift air conditioner-driven peak demand to off-peak hours, increasing our electric system efficiency and reducing our operating costs.

REU welcomes customer feedback. Please click on the button below to send us an email so you can provide us with your comments, questions or concerns and any contact information you can share with us.

Thank you for your interest and support of REU’s Energy Storage/Peak Load Reduction Program.