As plans are being drawn up to overhaul the electric grid with smart meters, some private companies are making their plans to keep up. General Electric announced that in the first quarter of next year the company will introduce a new line of appliances that can be controlled remotely. The company is developing smart refrigerators, ranges, washers and dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens, and will start a pilot program in Louisville KY with Louisville Gas and Electric Company.
Utility companies across the nation have been looking for ways to lower peak demand, and some began that process by implementing real-time pricing programs like Power Smart Pricing (but not as great!!!). The high demand periods throughout the year have a great influence over electricity prices.
The improved appliances would be able to be controlled by utility companies to shift into an energy saving mode that would not have much affect on the consumer. For example, a freezer could be able to delay its automatic defrost function during peak hours. The change in wattage would be small, but overall the utility would be able to make similar changes throughout the service area on a wide range of appliances.
This integration will invite new innovation that will have the ability to fundamentally change the way we use electricity. New enterprises will spring up emulating the chances GE is beginning to take. For now, innovation comes in the form of Power Smart Pricing. Our participants constantly tell us that because of the way they are billed, the way they now think about their usage, they are using less. There is a lot of money for our households to save, and we must continue to support these endeavors alongside Ameren, and other utilities raising money for smart meters, and private companies looking to improve the appliances we use.
November 6, 2008
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4 comments:
I'm in the market for a new electric dryer, and I'm sorry to say that I can't find a single one that has a 'delay start' button on it. Think about how great it would be to simply put a timer on the dryer so you could have it start at 2 am (like most dishwashers do). This seems like a much simpler idea to implement than these 'smart appliances,' but they're also a good idea I suppose.
Dave-
Delay start features on dryers do exist, but they are difficult to track down. Most are made by brands of foreign countries and are sold outside of the US. Otherwise we would suggest to stay away from an all-electric dryer because in terms of cost gas dryers are cheaper to operate.
The GE Smart Appliances are clearly something that will be seen down the road when they can be more effectively integrated with the rest of the electric grid, but it is interesting to see how our everyday products might change.
Good luck with your dryer search! Don't forget to look for the Energy Star rating.
Just thought I'd post an update on my dryer search. Still looking (which is code for trying to hold out for as long as I can without one). I'm getting by fabulously without the energy hog, instead choosing to use drying racks. I use a clothesline all summer. So far, the wife is putting up with it. Maybe by the time she finally puts her foot down, I will be able to find that dryer with the delay start function.
Dave
I guess not replacing the dryer is the ultimate "delay" button.
Matt
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