PROJECT PROFILE : NATIONAL GRID SMART GRID PILOT
IES is collaborating with National Grid to provide professional consulting and program development in the education and community outreach aspects of their $57 million dollar, 15,000 home Smart Grid pilot project in southern Worcester. IES will fulfill this role by:increasing local business participation;assisting development of spin-off smart meter vendors and entrepreneurs;facilitating collaboration with Clark University, WPI and universities in the United Kingdom researching National Grid’s UK smart grid project;creating student and community opportunities for involvement;identifying innovative research areas; and encouraging participation of researchers and community members in this new initiative.
Participating households will receive a smart meter that can facilitate two-way communication between National Grid and the customer; the utility will be able to adjust energy supply in real time to increase efficiency, while the customer will be able to access information regarding real-time pricing and energy use trends. Real time pricing will allow customers to choose to purchase energy during low demand, low pricing generation periods, which will also help the Grid evenly distribute energy and avoid inefficient energy generation “peaks” and “valleys.” Customers will also receive options for programmable thermostats, e-billing and a personalized home energy management website. Consumers on the Smart Grid can use these tools and information to lower their energy bills. The Smart Grid platform also allows for the integration of green technology development, such as photovoltaic, wind, and plug-in electric vehicles.
This project is one of the smart-grid pilot projects required under the MA Green Communities Act, and has a target goal of reducing energy demand by 5% across the pilot region. National Grid ultimately hopes to extend this program across its New England service area.
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Additional Program Information at National Grid Smart Grid webpage
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