Orange & Rockland (O&R), has partnered with Edo, a leader in demand flexibility and energy optimization solutions, to launch a pioneering three-year demand optimization pilot program. This initiative aims to transform commercial buildings into active participants in the energy grid by engaging mid-to-large commercial customers within O&R’s service territory. The pilot seeks to reduce energy consumption, optimize peak demand, encourage electrification, and advance demand flexibility strategies.
O&R has already begun recruiting eligible mid-to-large commercial customers, with a goal of enrolling at least 10 buildings by May 1, 2025. “O&R is excited to partner with Edo on a first-of-its-kind pilot that takes a comprehensive approach to both demand flexibility and energy efficiency,” said Jon Hilowitz, O&R Customer Energy Services Section Manager. “Our company remains committed to exploring innovative products and programs that benefit all our customers. This initiative will empower commercial customers with unique opportunities to actively manage their energy usage.”
The program bridges O&R’s existing energy efficiency and demand response efforts with upcoming advanced peak load shaving, electrification, and geographic targeting initiatives planned for 2026 and beyond. Edo will deploy its cutting-edge energy management solutions to optimize energy use by shifting and shedding load, fine-tuning HVAC systems, and managing behind-the-meter distributed energy resources (DERs).
“Partnering with O&R on this demand optimization pilot presents an exciting opportunity to demonstrate how commercial buildings can play a pivotal role in reducing peak demand and enhancing energy efficiency,” said Courtney Blodgett, Edo’s Co-Founder and Director of Strategy. “This collaboration will highlight how demand flexibility can improve grid reliability while delivering cost savings for both customers and utilities.”
The pilot program aims to achieve several key outcomes, including a 7-9% reduction in total energy consumption, a 10-30% reduction in peak demand through load shifting and shedding, improved strategies for optimizing energy use and reducing costs, and data-driven insights to guide long-term capital planning for building owners. Edo’s solutions are designed to help commercial customers navigate the evolving energy landscape, including the transition to electric systems and the expansion of utility demand flexibility programs. This pilot builds on Edo’s proven success in optimizing energy use across various commercial building types, ensuring customers have the tools needed to manage energy consumption effectively.
Through this partnership with O&R, Edo is introducing a solution that not only enhances customer participation in energy programs but also delivers significant benefits to both customers and the grid. This initiative marks a major step forward in integrating commercial buildings into the future of energy management.