Google and Utilities Partner on Smart Metering Technology
Eight utilities in the U.S., Canada and India are teaming up with Google in smart meter projects that will enable customers to monitor their energy use online and better manage their power consumption.
NPR – Smart Meter Saves Big Bucks for Pa. Family
Alabama Power Co. offers $20 credit for residents to participate in demand response program
Alabama OKs utility option to cut air conditioner (AP) — Alabama Power Co. will give customers a way to save $20 annually by allowing the electric utility to cut off their home air conditioners for brief periods on the hottest weekdays of summer. The state’s largest electric utility will begin the program in the Birmingham area and plans to move it statewide by the end of 2010, company spokesman Pat Wylie said.
Pennsylvania PUC hears presentations on energy conservation and demand side response
HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) held a hearing last week on alternative energy resources, energy conservation and efficiency, and demand side response. Various points of view were expressed by industry representatives. Their presentations are available on the PUC Web site.
PA Governor, Ed Rendell, signed House Bill 2200 into law as Act 129 last month. Act 129 requires utilities to adopt cost-effective plans to cut electricity use 1 percent by 2011 and 3 percent by 2013. Utilities must also implement plans to cut energy use 4.5 percent during peak demand periods when prices are highest—typically the hottest days of summer and coldest days of winter—by 2013. Electric utilities that fail to meet the law’s requirements may face steep penalties. The cost of the energy efficiency and conservation plans will be recovered from the ratepayers.
Acting PA Department of Environmental Protection Secretary John Hanger is pushing for the implementation of advanced meters, aka “smart meters”, that allow consumers to respond to higher prices during periods of peak demand by shifting their consumption to times when power prices are lower. Act 129 requires that utilities must provide their customers with smart meters within 15 years.
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EIA: Retail Prices
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