Brooklyn’s Energy Revolution: How Smart Grid Technology Is Transforming Your Property’s Future

Brooklyn is at the forefront of a revolutionary energy transformation that’s reshaping how property owners interact with the electrical grid. Smart grid technologies promote the modernization of the electric grid, including the use of renewable and distributed energy resources, fewer greenhouse gas emissions, and lower operating costs. This technological evolution isn’t just changing how we consume electricity—it’s fundamentally altering property values, energy bills, and the way buildings operate.

Understanding Brooklyn’s Smart Grid Revolution

BMG is a community-driven initiative that began in the Park Slope and Gowanus communities, Spring of 2016. A Benefit Corporation established by LO3 Energy, the project reimagines the traditional energy grid model, with the concept of a communal energy network. The Brooklyn Microgrid project has become a pioneering example of how smart grid technology can transform local communities.

In Brooklyn, LO3 Energy has teamed up with Siemens to create a pilot microgrid using blockchain technology. Residents with solar panels can sell excess energy back to their neighbours, in a peer-to-peer transaction which takes advantage of blockchain. This innovative approach allows property owners to become active participants in the energy marketplace rather than passive consumers.

Financial Benefits for Property Owners

The financial implications of smart grid technology for Brooklyn property owners are substantial. This opportunity also allows solar panel owners earn revenue from their solar systems, making the systems more profitable and encouraging others to install solar panels. Property owners with solar installations can now monetize their excess energy production in ways that weren’t possible with traditional grid systems.

Microgrids minimise the amount of energy lost through transmission; as an estimated 5% of electricity created in the US is lost in transit, microgrids provide an efficient alternative. This efficiency translates directly into cost savings for property owners, as less energy waste means more value from every kilowatt-hour generated or purchased.

Reduced peak demand charges from drawing on energy storage, resulting in a direct savings on your utilit… In time, the measurement will mean higher valuation for a building and even offer owners opportunities to be paid for the grid support their buildings provide.

Enhanced Property Resilience and Value

Smart grid technology significantly improves property resilience, a crucial consideration for Brooklyn property owners. A secondary motive comes from the reliability of localised electricity sources. Since superstorm Sandy caused a series of blackouts across the US in 2012, the reliability of the grid has been called into question. Long transmission lines are not needed and can therefore not be damaged by increasingly regular extreme weather conditions.

In Brooklyn, N.Y., a group of residents and businesses have joined forces to form the Brooklyn Microgrid, in part, so that when the next blackout occurs, they will be able generate and store their own energy. The Brooklyn Microgrid, set in a five-square block area of Gowanus and Park Slope, is a network of solar panel owners whose energy sources are linked together and, while still connected to the main grid, are able to operate independently as a single entity if power is lost.

Smart Building Technologies and Automation

To get the most out of these efficiency improvements and upgrades, property owners and facilities managers can install smart building systems to enable automated building operations and controls. From smart thermostats to comprehensive real-time energy management (RTEM) systems, smart technologies can optimize energy use of one or more systems in a building.

As buildings shift from fossil fuel-powered equipment to all-electric systems, smart technologies can be leveraged to optimize renewable energy and energy storage solutions. For instance, smart systems can manage how much onsite renewable energy generation is used to power the building versus stored in batteries for later use or fed into the grid based on historical usage data and the weather forecast.

Professional Installation and Maintenance

Implementing smart grid technologies requires professional expertise to ensure optimal performance and safety. When considering smart grid upgrades for your Brooklyn property, working with qualified professionals is essential. An experienced Electrician in Brooklyn can help assess your property’s needs, recommend appropriate smart grid solutions, and ensure proper installation that complies with local codes and regulations.

We offer all types of commercial electrical services including electrical repair, installation and inspection in Brooklyn. We’re known for honesty, integrity and providing professional and personal customer service. Our team of certified electricians have completed thorough training and are knowledgeable in safety regulations and local building codes.

The Future of Brooklyn’s Energy Landscape

With a smart grid, New Yorkers will have access to a more affordable electricity and a more resilient and reliable energy system. The ongoing development of smart grid infrastructure in Brooklyn represents more than just technological advancement—it’s a fundamental shift toward energy democracy and community empowerment.

In addition to providing power during blackouts, microgrids can add resilience to the existing grid infrastructure and save money by postponing the need to invest in grid upgrades. They add flexibility, increase reliability and can reduce energy costs by helping the grid meet peak energy demands. A community microgrid like Brooklyn Microgrid can also keep money for electricity within the community, create jobs, encourage community investments and reduce the cost of community disaster services.

As Brooklyn continues to embrace smart grid technology, property owners who invest in these systems today position themselves advantageously for the future. The combination of financial benefits, improved resilience, enhanced property values, and environmental sustainability makes smart grid technology an increasingly attractive investment for forward-thinking property owners in Brooklyn’s evolving energy landscape.