Case Studies
How a Premier Athletic Megaplex Became a Flexibility Powerhouse
July 15, 2025
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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 spring and summer of 2025.
- 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.
- Connected Solutions (Summer) – A traditional demand response energy program where participants receive payments for average kW reductions in June, July, and August—plus additional incentives for weekend performance.
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 spring and summer events, the facility achieved meaningful results:
- Average Load Reduction: Spring 250 kW, Summer 650 kW
- Incentives Earned: $70,000
- Comfort Maintained: 100%
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.
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