A person doesn’t have to be a genius to understand Smart Grid technology, but it helps if you get an introductory lesson from your local utility.
Lincoln Electric System did just that Thursday when it presented a forum on Smart Grid technology and what it could mean for the utility and its customers.
“Smart Grid has the potential to transform the business of LES,” Douglas Curry, the utility’s administrator and CEO, told the audience. About 175 people registered for the all-day event at the Grand Manse, 129 N. 10th St.
Basically, Smart Grid technology is a way for customers to monitor and control their electricity use through an advanced metering system. But it’s much more. The digital technology also establishes two-way communication between a utility and its customers.
For example, LES would be able to tell customers how much electricity they were using in real time, so they could adjust their energy use and save money. Now, the only way customers can find out how much electricity they’ve used is by looking at their monthly bill.
“Lincoln residents will realize significant energy savings as a result of Smart Grid,” said Mayor Chris Beutler, adding that the technology complements a citywide “green” initiative launched by his administration.
Beutler said Smart Grid has the potential to lower electric utility rates now and into the future – and that’s a “great” reason for exploring the innovative technology.
LES has applied for $33.5 million in federal stimulus funds to build the infrastructure to accommodate Smart Grid technology. The money would pay half of the cost of the $67 million capital improvement project; LES would pay the other half. If funding is approved, the utility plans to build the system in three years.
“It’s not going to magically take wires out of the air and replace generators,” said Kiah Harris of Burns & McDonnell, a planning, design and construction firm that serves the electric industry.
“The goal is to inform customers of real-time usage and costs so that they can adjust their consumption (of electricity) to reduce cost of supply,” Harris said.
He said the system is designed to bring customers back into the loop and break the cycle of rate increases. He called Smart Grid technology an “enabler” of better service, better information and better energy use.
Using Smart Grid technology, a customer could decide to wash clothes or dry dishes in the early part of the day, when electricity is cheaper than in the afternoon or evening, when it is more expensive.
Studies have shown that by introducing more awareness, consumers have been able to voluntarily reduce their energy consumption by 5 to 7 percent, Harris said.
via ‘Smart Grid Day’ sheds light on the potential future of LES, customers.
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