Researchers in the Northwest have proven that smart grid technology can help us use energy much more efficiently. Now utilities in the region are preparing to show the rest of the country how it can be done across a broad region with new experiments.
Battelle, the company that runs the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL), will direct a smart grid project involving twelve utilities in five states. PNNL conducted a landmark year-long study ending in August of 2008 that found consumers saved an average of 10 percent on their electric bills and reduced power usage by 15 percent.
The US Department of Energy (DOE) paid for the experiment that showed consumers reacted to energy price changes by shifting their usage to time periods when it was less expensive to use. The same study also determined that utilities could use smart appliances that work to smooth out demand spikes. Portland General Electric (PGE) managed the smart appliances in the study and plans to work with Battelle on the new project.
The DOE has taken applications for smart grid stimulus grants from utility companies and third-party developers. Battelle has applied for a grant worth $178 million that will build upon knowledge gained the first time around.
“That was just 120 homes,” said Carl Imhoff, a research director at Battelle. “We’re extending that to up to 60,000 units participating, not just 120.”
Imhoff indicated his project is distinct from numerous smaller proposals across the country because of its regional impact. “It’s cutting across a layer of the utility system that has not been done as aggressively,” said Imhoff. “Using twelve different entities like this is a very compelling and bold experiment.”
via US Northwest perfect for smart grid rollout.
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- Companies seek smart grid project – Portland Business Journal:
- NW power players in the running for $178M smart grid demo project
- Battelle hopes to help further smart grid use | The News Tribune – Northwest | Seattle-Tacoma News, Weather, Sports, Jobs, Homes and Cars | South Puget Sound’s Destination
