North Suburban YMCA Demonstrates Perfect Emergency Energy Reduction in EnerNOC Challenge Test

As part of a proactive community emergency plan, the North Suburban YMCA has once again demonstrated its ability to shed power if the electrical grid is in danger of a blackout or brownout condition. In a test sponsored by EnerNOC, the Y was able to reduce its power consumption by 100% for a 105-minute period on August 21. EnerNOC pays companies to work with utility companies to establish a “demand response capacity” that calculates the energy savings companies could provide to the energy grid in the event of a disastrous grid emergency. The Y’s achievement earned it a stipend of $9,000.

The Y’s participation in the EnerNOC program arose from the opportunity to be part of the solution to the ever-growing demand for energy in the community. Past electrical grid emergencies have caused blackouts and brownouts in California and New Jersey, leading power companies to take preventative steps to plan for future grid shortages. Companies that are willing and able to quickly shed power in a crisis act as a community “insurance policy” to help guarantee power for essential functions.

After successful tests in 2011 and 2013, the Y opted to participate in EnerNOC testing again this year. During the test on August 21, the Y shut down power throughout the building except for emergency lights and alarms, phones and computer servers. These steps enabled the Y to drop its energy demand for the entire 105 minute test period to 0 KW from a typical usage level of 280KW.

During the test period when normal building operations were suspended, the Y staff presented a number of activities to keep members, guests and campers occupied. Day camp activities were moved outside, and guests were offered refreshments along with helpful information about energy conservation. The Y employed a variety of social media resources to inform members about the test procedure, minimizing any inconvenience for the building’s users.

“Participation in the EnerNOC program has been an outstanding opportunity for our Y,” noted Howard Schultz, NSYMCA Executive Director/CEO. “Recent improvements to our building have made enhanced our energy efficiency and our ability to respond quickly in case of emergency. We’re glad to do our part to protect our community’s power supply, and also happy that the incentive payment will help support our Y programs.”

About the North Suburban YMCA

The NSYMCA is a not-for-profit entity and relies on donations to make services available for all families and individuals in its 15-city region. All board members are volunteers, who donate their time, talents and financial resources. Located at 2705 Techny Road in Northbrook, the YMCA has served the northern suburbs of Chicago for over 45 years. The Y is about youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, providing programs and services that address the needs of our diverse community and are accessible to all. For more information or to make a donation, contact Barb Flanagin at 847-272-7250 or bflanagin@nsymca.org, or visit www.nsymca.org.