Can the ‘Uber of energy’ prevent another citywide blackout?
Emerging tech company Brooklyn Microgrid hopes to shake up the Con Edison status quo by using solar power.
On a Sunday evening during the summer’s first major heatwave last July, Con Edison cut off power to more than 30,000 southeast Brooklyn residents. The company, citing a new regional power usage record set earlier that day, called the action a “preemptive move” that was set in motion to “protect the integrity of the energy system.”
Many in the area were upset about the utility-induced blackout, which for some stretched into a second day, and questioned why their specific neighborhood was targeted. The incident also led to a hearing where Con Edison President Timothy Cawley was forced to defend the company at the behest of state legislators.
One emerging tech company in Brooklyn believes it can help keep such circumstances from unfolding, while generating new income streams for environmentally conscious homeowners and making the city’s energy supply greener. A pivotal meeting with state officials on Friday could pave the way.