How a Premier Athletic Megaplex Became a Flexibility Powerhouse

The Challenge

With over 500,000 square feet of facilities such as pools, gyms, ice rinks, and childcare, this premier athletic club in Connecticut faced high, complex energy demands (1.5 MW peak load) along with strict comfort and operational requirements. Exploring demand response energy solutions became crucial to addressing the key question: could such a complex, high-energy facility help reduce grid strain without compromising daily operations?

The Solution

Edo partnered with the athletic club and Eversource to unlock flexible demand response energy capacity in two distinct seasons: 

1. Location-Based Flexibility Marketplace (Spring) – A pilot program targeting specific grid needs, such as substation maintenance. Through Piclo’s marketplace, Eversource offered participants fixed and performance-based payments for reducing load during dispatch events in April and May.
2. Connected Solutions (Summer) – A traditional demand response energy program where participants receive payments for average kW reductions, plus additional incentives for weekend performance. The facility will be enrolled in the 2025 summer season. 

Automated and manual strategies included:

• Pre-conditioning spaces up to two hours ahead of events

• Widening HVAC zone temperature bands in all available spaces

• Modifying chilled water plant setpoints

• Manually adjusting ice rink temperatures

To support operations and maintain flexibility:

• Real-time notifications were delivered through the Edo platform

• Facility staff had the option to opt out of events as needed

The Result

Across eight spring events in three weeks, the facility achieved meaningful results:

• Average Load Reduction: 146 kW per event 

• Incentives Earned: $15,000+  

• Comfort Maintained: No disruptions reported 

Conclusion

This project demonstrates how a high-performance recreational facility can evolve from a passive energy user to an active grid asset. With Edo’s support and a blend of automated and manual controls, this athletic facility became a model of modern demand flexibility, all while continuing to deliver ice time, swim lessons, and gym sessions without compromise.