Geothermal Energy Programs
Introducing our geothermal energy programs. We’re committed to finding new ways to provide our customers with cleaner energy while helping them use energy more efficiently. As part of our vision to achieve net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, we’re evaluating the potential for thermal energy to provide highly efficient space and water heating for our customers in place of natural gas heating.
What is networked geothermal energy and how does it work?
A networked geothermal energy system uses the Earth’s ground temperature to provide heating and cooling through a buried piping network. The constant underground temperature serves as a heat source during winter and transfers indoor heat to the ground for cooling during the summer.
When a building requires heat in cold weather, fluid circulated through the ground loop absorbs the warmth from underground and brings it indoors where a geothermal heat pump delivers comfortable, clean, warm air throughout your indoor space.
When a building requires cooling in summer months, excess heat from indoors is absorbed and concentrated by the heat pump and sent out of the building through the ground loop and back into the ground. Your geothermal heat pump provides cool, conditioned air throughout your indoor space.
Geothermal Benefits Chart
- Reduces greenhouse gas emissions.
- Provides reliable heating and cooling.
- Improves energy efficiency.
- Offers cost savings on energy bills.
- Enhances comfort in your home.
Proposed Projects
Our projects are subject to the approval of the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities and New York Public Service Commission.
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Lowell, MA: We are partnering with the University of Massachusetts Lowell and the City of Lowell on a networked geothermal pilot. The project will provide clean and efficient geothermal space conditioning to both residential and commercial buildings in the area.
More information here
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Brooklyn, NY: We are bringing a networked geothermal system to Brooklyn, New York. The project will provide clean and efficient geothermal space conditioning to the New York City Housing Authority Vandalia Avenue buildings as well as various surrounding commercial buildings. The system will provide reliable space conditioning and reduce the greenhouse gas emissions when compared to the current space conditioning systems.
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Long Island, NY: We are proposing a geothermal energy network in our Long Island territory to include the Suffolk County Community College campus and surrounding residential community, which will improve the way these buildings receive and share energy. The system will provide clean, reliable, and affordable space heating and cooling to the area as well as new equipment to accommodate these energy changes.
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Upstate NY: We are in the process of identifying residential locations in our upstate NY gas territory to retire existing gas infrastructure and test the impact of transitioning from natural gas service to clean and efficient geothermal systems for heating and cooling. We will also be covering the costs of replacing existing gas appliances with new, high-efficiency electric appliances. To move forward with this project opportunity, all neighbors in the identified area will need to commit to converting.
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Troy, NY: We are bringing a networked geothermal system to the downtown Troy area. This project will provide clean, reliable, and affordable space heating and cooling to the area as well as new equipment to accommodate these changes. In this project, geothermal energy will be gathered underneath the Riverfront Park and delivered to customers in the surrounding area.
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Syracuse, NY: We are bringing a networked geothermal system to the Inner Harbor area of Syracuse, NY. This project will provide clean, reliable, and affordable space heating and cooling to the area as well as new equipment to accommodate these changes. This project will capture waste heat, which can then be beneficially reused by customers of the project.
What appliances are included in the program?
While each project has unique requirements, common appliances included in our programs are:
- Ground-source heat pump: Also known as geothermal heat pumps, they extract heat from the ground during cold weather via an underground pipe system, which is then distributed throughout your home. During warmer months, the process is reversed to provide cooling. This system is the most efficient type of heat pump and will provide all the heating and cooling in your home.
- Electric Water Heater: If switching from an alternative fuel source, the program may cover the costs of a new energy-efficient water heater. Depending on the space and air-flow of where the unit is located, a traditional electric water heater or an electric heat pump water heater may be installed. A traditional water heater uses electricity to raise the temperature of the water. A heat pump water heater moves existing heat from one place to another instead of generating heat directly.
- Electric Cooktop or Stove: If switching from an alternative fuel source, the program may cover the costs of a new electric cooktop or stove, such as a traditional stove or an induction cooktop. A traditional electric stove uses electricity to heat an element which transfers the heat through contact with the bottom of the pans. An induction cooktop is a flat, glass-topped cooktop that generates an electromagnetic energy charge that interacts with compatible pots and pans. This interaction causes the cookware itself to heat up while the glass top surrounding the element stays cool.
