During the extended heat wave, with high demands for electricity threatening the integrity of the electric grid, 12 large water suppliers on Long Island - including Hicksville - stepped up to the plate to help stabilize the grid by reducing electric usage and running generators as part of the Operation Save New York demand response program, administered by Energy Curtailment Specialists, Inc. (ECS).

A total of 60 individual water supplier facilities participated during the highest electric usage periods on August 1, 2 and 3, when the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO), which oversees the grid, declared electric emergency events. Through the Operation Save NY program, participants receive revenue for standing by to reduce electric usage when there is a supply crisis, which usually occurs only a few times each year.

In addition to the Hicksville Water District, water suppliers involved include Suffolk County Water Authority, Bethpage, Franklin Square, Garden City, Greenlawn, Locust Valley, Manhasset-Lakeville, Oyster Bay, Plainview, South Farmingdale and West Hempstead. The facilities reduced more than 10 megawatts from the electric grid, enough electricity to power 10,000 homes. Additional water suppliers are in the process of enrolling.

The water suppliers joined Operation Save New York after the Long Island Water Conference submitted a request for proposals to multiple demand response providers and chose ECS as the approved provider.

Enrollment and membership in the program is free. ECS also reimburses the fuel expense for facilities that operate on-site generators.

ECS has more than 415 megawatts of electricity enrolled in Operation Save NY, including hundreds of members in Long Island like East Islip School District, United Cerebral Palsy Association of Nassau County, Inc., Parker Jewish Institute for Healthcare and Rehabilitation, Oheka Castle and Wenner Bread.

"The water districts are a great addition to our program and a big lift for the cause of demand response. They are serious about curtailment and reacting in times of need and we hope that others will be encouraged to join by their example," said Glen Smith, ECS President and CEO.

The last heat wave demonstrated how important these programs have become in maintaining the stability of the electric grid. Facilities that join can not only do good for the community, but for their bottom line as well, said Smith.