UGE International has designed and deployed eight state-of-the-art microgrid systems for New York City communities as part of a post-Hurricane Sandy energy resiliency program. UGE’s microgrids, utilizing next-generation LFP batteries from SimpliPhi Power, natural gas generators and rooftop solar installations, will provide energy security for residents and businesses in the event of another major grid outage.

The microgrids are part of the City’s RISE:NYC portfolio, developed in response to Sandy-related power outages through an innovative partnership with the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). After Hurricane Sandy caused $19 billion in losses for small businesses and left more than 2.2 million people without electricity in October 2012, NYCEDC developed the RISE:NYC program, which aims to strengthen the area’s energy resiliency, reduce electricity costs, mitigate disaster loss and prepare for climate change. NYCEDC awarded funding to UGE to provide uninterrupted power to small businesses and residents, even in the event of a utility service disruption.

“Hurricane Sandy gave New Yorkers a glimpse of the impact that climate change can have on businesses, residents and our electric grid, and recent devastation from Hurricane Ida shows us that we all need to be prepared,” said UGE managing director Mateo Chaskel. “UGE is proud to be providing renewable energy microgrid systems that can provide off-grid clean power when the grid is put at risk by storms and uncertain climate.”

Small businesses and building owners like RISE:NYC beneficiary Joe Tirone were devastated by Hurricane Sandy’s floods and power outages. The UGE microgrids will safeguard these individuals and businesses from potentially devastating storms in the future.

“Sandy was a wake-up call. This microgrid will ensure that my building won’t suffer similar impacts in the future,” said Tirone, a real estate professional in Staten Island. “Floods and power outages threaten our livelihoods, our homes and our safety. It’s time for us all to start innovating and RISE:NYC is a wonderful resource.”

The eight sites included in the portfolio are in Staten Island, Brooklyn and the Rockaways in Queens.

“Our partnership with UGE has enabled the deployment of next-generation, back-up power systems that will help New Yorkers brace for future Hurricane Sandy-like events,” said Chris Keast, SimpliPhi Power sales application engineer. “These projects are a great step forward in the shift to decentralized renewable energy, leading the way in providing resilience to communities vulnerable to climate change.”

News item from UGE. Updated with SimpliPhi’s quote on Oct. 25.