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mailmanFor the intended purpose of supplying peak demand electricity a natural gas peaking plant is outdated inefficient technology. Peaking plants are designed to run at low output most of the time, which is highly inefficient, so that they are able to ramp up relatively quickly to respond to sudden demands from the grid for power. All over the world more and more peak demand is being met faster and better by large battery packs which can respond instantaneously to demand.

This faster response time means better frequency regulation and better peak demand support. It also creates the most valuable grid power because of its quick response time and high efficiency. Battery packs can store energy from renewables as well as extra grid energy produced at night when there is more capacity and less demand, as well as lower pricing. At times there can be so much extra output at night that pricing goes negative, meaning battery packs would be paid to store energy.

We should be installing modern efficient solar panels, (which, contrary to some claims, last far longer than their warranty periods and will not need replacing in 25-30 years), coupled with large scale, recyclable, battery storage. That would make Cayuga Power a more valuable future proof asset. It would of course also avoid all the negative environmental and safety concerns associated with natural gas. We are already seeing large scale adoption of battery storage technology and we do not want to be left behind.

Some examples of grid storage battery pack installations:


John Pavia
Lansing, NY
v14i45
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