O&R Partners with Edo To Launch Pilot Program To Reduce Energy Consumption

In an ongoing effort to promote energy efficiency for all customers, Orange and Rockland Utilities has partnered with Edo, a leader in demand flexibility and energy optimization solutions, to launch a three-year demand optimization pilot program that focuses on transforming commercial buildings into active grid participants.

The program will engage mid-to-large commercial customers within O&R’s service territory to reduce energy consumption, optimize peak demand, encourage electrification, and advance demand flexibility initiatives.

 

The pilot will focus on achieving the following outcomes:

 

·       Seven-to-nine percent reduction in total energy consumption.

·       10-30 percent reduction in peak demand through load shifting and shedding.

·       A deeper understanding on how to optimize energy use and reduce costs.

·       Data-driven insights to inform long-term capital planning decisions for building owners.

 

This initiative bridges O&R’s current energy efficiency and demand response programs with the more advanced peak load shaving, electrification, and geographic targeting initiatives planned for 2026 and beyond. Edo’s innovative energy management solutions will be deployed to optimize energy use by shifting and shedding load, fine-tuning HVAC systems, and managing behind-the-meter distributed energy resources (DERs).

 

O&R has started the process of recruiting qualified mid-to-large commercial customers to participate in the program with a goal of enrolling at least 10 buildings by May 1, 2025.

 

“O&R is excited to partner with Edo on a first of its kind pilot that takes a holistic approach to both demand flexibility and energy efficiency,” said Jon Hilowitz, O&R Customer Energy Services section manager. “Our company is committed to exploring new products and programs that benefit all our customers, and this program will provide our commercial customers with unique opportunities to play an active role in their energy usage.”

"Partnering with O&R to implement this demand optimization pilot is an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how commercial buildings can play a pivotal role in reducing peak demand and improving energy efficiency,” said Courtney Blodgett, Edo’s co-founder and director of strategy. "Through this collaboration, we will showcase how demand flexibility can enhance grid reliability and provide cost savings for both customers and utilities."

Edo’s solution is designed to empower commercial customers in navigating the shifting energy landscape, including the transition to electric systems and the evolution of utility demand flexibility programs. This pilot builds on Edo’s proven track record in optimizing energy use across diverse commercial building types, ensuring customers are equipped with tools to effectively manage their energy consumption and costs.

By partnering with O&R, Edo is able to introduce a solution that not only enhances customer participation in O&R programs, but also delivers significant benefits to both customers and the grid.