How to Achieve Cambridge’s Energy Reduction Goals
In order to achieve the goal of a 50 MW peak energy reduction and the five percent reduction in fossil fuels, the Cambridge Energy Alliance needs to simultaneously pursue all available “low hanging fruit” while also working with energy services companies (ESCOs) to implement as many advanced strategies as possible. It is essential that the CEA and the City of Cambridge use the results of the workshop to reduce the current demand to meet goals, and simultaneously work on developing a more comprehensive and accurate baseline to facilitate more demand reductions later.
Below, Figure 1 displays the electricity consumption in Cambridge by month, and the monthly peak demand. I n order for Cambridge to meet its goal of reducing electricity peak electricity demand, it is imperative for the City to reduce energy consumption during the summertime months. However, many energy efficiency measures have the potential to reduce the peak demand. For more information on Cambridge’s energy supply and demand, see Appendix B.
Figure 1. Cambridge Electricity and Demand, 2006 (click image to view full size)
Cambridge Load Growth
Electricity use in the Boston system sub-area is projected to grow by an average of 1.17% through 2014 (for comparison, the expected growth rate for the full New England region is 1.44%), representing a relatively low level of new development. It is likely that much of the growth projected over the next several years in the Cambridge area will be due to the Northpoint development, which is primarily planned as residential and commercial development. One type of load that may not be included in the baseline forecast for the Boston area is potential development in new high-technology load such as data centers.
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