Illinois RTP Makes NYT

Can I put more acronyms in the title??? Maybe.

The New York Times (NYT) published an article today about the coming "smart grid" pilot to the Chicagoland area and their utility Commonwealth Edison. The story starts with a quick synopsis of how one customer is saving money with real time pricing (RTP).

Here's an excerpt of one interesting passage on "dumb" pricing (their term not mine):

“It’s like if you walked into the supermarket and everything was priced the same, and you could take as much or as little as you wanted, swipe a card at the cashier, walk out, and six weeks later they’d send you a bill,” said Mr. Butler, who is also commissioner of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. “It gives you no data on how much things cost, how much you’re using and how you can switch from one thing to another.”

Overall, this is a great piece about the benefits of real time pricing. It even touches on the ongoing efforts of Illinois residents. The work being done by these customers is getting noticed, and you should be proud of the standard you are setting to hopefully give this option to more families that can benefit.

Check out the article here.

NPR Series on the Smart Grid

NPR is in the middle of a 10 part series on the emerging smart grid. It has and will air on Morning Edition and All Things Considered from Monday April, 27th to Friday May, 1st.

The series will examine the many sides of the story. From the history of the grid and its current state, the need to lay more transmission lines, the environmental benefits, the role the utilities are playing, and the finally the economics of a smart grid.

To get started follow this link to Visualize the Grid. Its a great interactive map to see the scope of the some of the plans.

http://www.npr.org/news/graphics/2009/apr/electric-grid/

Continue on all week to the series overview page to find the most recent published stories. This link also gives you access to the accompanying article to each report.

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=103281114

Follow PSP Prices on Twitter

We have set automated messages to tweet each hour as the price for electricity changes. Use the button located on the sidebar to get to our new Twitter page. This will provide another way to get the information you need whenever you need it.

We also want to encourage all of our participants to use this new platform to discover new and innovative ways to use this service to its full potential.

Here is a little positive encouragement on the endless possibilities:
http://www.goodcleantech.com/2008/12/make_your_own_remote_lighting.php

Some interesting ways to get started on your own can be found here with their selection of widgets and other apps for your desktop, website, or your iphone/itouch. You can even use their API (Application Programming Interface) to create your own.

Walmart and Vatican Add Solar to Their Rooftops

Two different organizations announced they were adding more solar panels to their buildings on Earth Day: the Vatican and Walmart.

The Vatican is planning to build Europe's largest PV plant - a full 100 MW. This solar farm will be 740 acres and will produce roughly six times the amount of energy used in the small country of 108 acres. This will allow the Vatican to be a net energy exporter when the project is scheduled for completion in 2014.

German born Pope Benedict XVI has long been an advocate for the environment. In 2006 he said that "the destruction of the environment, its improper or selfish use, and the violent hoarding of the Earth’s resources cause grievances, conflicts and wars, precisely because they are the consequences of an inhumane concept of development." This past November a smaller solar farm became operational atop the Paulo VI Papal audience hall (shown above).

There is a reason Walmart was number one on the Fortune 500 for such a long time (Exxon Mobil recently surpassed the retail giant). Walmart has constantly pushed for better business practice. They are now using their strong purchasing power to make investments in their energy future.

Walmart is doubling the amount of solar power used at their stores. This may sound like a lot, but really they are increasing their distribution by 20 stores, up from 18. Do not let the Earth Day press release fool you, this is a smart business decision. Making a one time investment to lower their operating costs will continue to allow Walmart sell their goods at lower and lower prices.

Energy costs pile up without a significant return. They take capital and investment opportunities away from businesses and homeowners alike. Generating one's own electricity are steps toward a leaner operating budget. In business, it provides room for more jobs and cheaper goods, and in the home it lowers the cost of living. All the meanwhile, allows us to be better stewards of our fragile planet.

For more information on the Vatican's solar project.
For more information on Walmart's solar project.

Jay Nick Update and ecobee

Jay Nick has developed a couple of handy online tools for Power Smart Pricing. One of them is the "stoplight" tool featured at the top of the sidebar on the PSP Blog. He also developed a similar tool that mimics the Pricelight. The color of the orb changes depending on the price of electricity that hour. The tools can be embedded in a website (like this one) or it can be placed on your Google homepage.

He also developed a toolbar for Firefox web browsers. Once you download the software a bar showing the time/date and the price of electricity will automatically be displayed on your web browser. This is a very handy way to be able to see the prices all the time without having them in the way. For example, just a glance tells me that the price is currently 3.766 cents per kWh (current flat rate price: roughly 8 cents per kWh)

We recently had a conversation with him and he pointed us in the direction of a smart thermostat called ecobee. It takes advantage of a large display to make all its functions very user friendly. Like a traditional programmable thermostat you can set up a program to automatically manage your house's temperature.

It adds wifi so you can manage your household systems through a website. This would give you the added advantage of being able to change your program while you were away from the house. For customers with hourly electricity pricing this would be a nice feature to allow you to lower your cooling temperature during a higher priced time.

The next development with smart thermostats would be the ability to program the system to automatically respond to different price signals. For example, if the price for electricity is 6 cents and below keep the house at a particular temperature and so on. As variable pricing programs continue to emerge, so too will the tools. Many thanks to Jay Nick for advancing the ball.

http://www.jaynick.com

To his Firefox toolbars: http://www.jaynick.com/FirefoxAdd-ons.php
- Download the Ameren DAP toolbar to get price information directly into your Firefox web browser.

To the orb tool: http://www.jaynick.com/images/Ameren.svg

To the smart thermostat: www.ecobee.com

Business Week Presents the Wireless Energy Dashboards

Many thanks to Business Week for putting together a comprehensive collection of the wireless energy dashboards and displays competing to inform the public about their energy use. They did not include the Verizon Hub. Although they did directly mention the benefit this would serve to customers with variable pricing like Power Smart Pricing.

Here's a slideshow of the candidates.

Here's the relating article.

In Other News: Space-Based Solar Power

You read that correctly.

California based electric utility PG&E has reached a deal with solar energy company Solaren to purchase any power the company can produce from a proposed 200 MW solar plant to be launched into orbit. The project is scheduled to come online in 2016. On the surface, the deal looks as if PG&E's rate payers will be protected because the utility will only be obligated to pay for the electricity and not the construction.

As far as the technology is concerned, Solaren and its team of engineers have plans to launch their SSP (Space Solar Power) plant into geosynchonous orbit meaning it will travel around the earth at that same speed as the earth's rotation completing its cycle in one day. It will then obsorb power from the sun and direct it back to a receiving antenna on earth through microwaves.

So this all seems futuristic. It is, but the concept has been around for the past 30 years or so. The incentives for developing this technology are endless. In terms of energy, the solar power accumulated in space is 8 to 10 times more powerful than it is on earth because there is not any atmospheric interference. Also, the plant would constantly be in the sun so it would provide a steady base load of power.

If Solaren can pull this off for a reasonable price, then they deserve congratulations. Good luck!

To learn more check out PG&E's blog Next100.

Report from Illinois Smart Grid Initiative

The Illinois Smart Grid Initiative (ISGI)’s new report, “Empowering Consumers through a Modern Electric Grid”, explores the potential benefits of a modernized electric grid and maps a policy path for achieving those benefits for consumers and the economy. At a time when both President Obama’s Administration and Congress have prioritized electric grid modernization and the jobs potential it holds, Illinois is well positioned to become the national leader in the adoption of a truly consumer-focused smart grid.

Illinois residents face $6-11 billion annually in costs related to power outages and power disruptions, with many communities experiencing outage levels far above the national average. The ISGI Report outlines how a smart grid can fundamentally improve reliability and efficiency, integrate renewable energy on the local level, and empower consumers to take charge of and reduce their electricity bills–while saving energy and reducing carbon emissions.

The ISGI Report identifies several steps that can be taken right now to improve the electricity system for the benefit of all Illinois citizens. It encourages increasing consumer choice by pairing real-time electricity rates with smart technology, and urges regulatory rule changes that encourage public and private investment in energy efficient smart grids. Finally, investing in the smart grid can open the door to new ‘green power’, high-tech business opportunities in communities throughout the state.

Currently, Illinois is the national leader in offering residential customers real-time pricing options, and is among the leading states in mandating increased renewables and energy efficiency. Using the economic stimulus bill as one catalyst, the ISGI Report maps out how Illinois can transform the electric grid into a smart grid and set the standard for the nation in stimulating the economy and protecting the environment.
Download Summary Report (PDF, 363KB)
Download Full Report (PDF, 1.26MB)
Download Fact Sheet - Smart Grid: Status and Opportunities in Illinois (PDF, 119KB)

Summer Energy Saving Workshop 2009

It’s almost time to get ready for summer, and for summer electricity bills. This May the Power Smart Pricing team will host workshops to help Illinois households manage their summer electricity costs. Attend a Summer Energy Saving Workshop to get the information you need to enjoy the summer and while keeping your electricity bills under control.

• Get tips on managing your summer electricity usage and costs.
• Discover no-cost and low-cost ways to save energy at home.
• Get advice on how you can protect the environment by using energy efficiently.
• Learn about your electricity pricing options, including strategies for saving energy and money with Power Smart Pricing, an hourly electricity pricing option from the Ameren Illinois Utilities.

Space is limited, so to reserve your seat please RSVP to CNT Energy at 1-877-655-6028 or info@powersmartpricing.org.

Workshop Schedule

Monday, May 4, 6:30 p.m.
Carbondale Civic Center
200 S Illinois Ave, Carbondale

Tuesday, May 5, 6:30 p.m.
O’Fallon Public Safety Facility
285 North Seven Hills Road, O’Fallon

Wednesday, May 6, 6:30 p.m.
Lewis and Clark Community College,
Trimpe Advanced Technology Center (TR 141),
5800 Godfrey Rd, Godfrey

Thursday, May 7, 6 p.m.
Collinsville Public Library
408 W Main St., Collinsville

Monday, May 11, 6:30 p.m.
Champaign Public Library, Robeson Pavilion Room B
200 W. Green St., Champaign

Wednesday, May 13, noon
Urbana City Building
400 S. Vine St., Urbana

Wednesday, May 13, 6:30 p.m.
Bloomington Public Library, Community Room
205 E. Olive St., Bloomington

Thursday, May 14, 6:30 p.m.
Peoria Public Library, 2nd floor meeting room
107 N.E. Monroe St., Peoria

Monday, May 18, 6:30 p .m.
Decatur Public Library
130 N. Franklin St., Decatur

Tuesday, May 19, 6:30 p.m.
Quincy Public Library
526 Jersey St, Quincy

Thursday, May 21, 6:30 p.m.
Galesburg Public Library
40 East Simmons Street, Galesburg

Today's Winner: The Verizon Hub

Here at the PSP blog we promote the notion that something must be measured before it can be reduced. Homeowners looking to reduce their energy bills will be given a much better chance to succeed if they can watch their usage in real time.

The key to acheiving this reality begins with smarter energy meters that can measure usage as it ocurrs, instead of once a month. This will essentially begin the integration of the internet onto the electric grid with systems interacting with each other remotely over some agreed upon protocal (another step towards acheivement). The question I am posing today is, how is this information going to be displayed so the homeowner can actually use it to save some real money?

Let's forget about the software for moment (think Google PowerMeter). After a recent visit to the Smart Home exhibit at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry, it was clear that the ultimate outcome to display energy information has yet to be determined. Will it mount on the wall like your programmable thermostat? Will it only get as far as your computer screen? Or will something entirely different come along?

The Verizon Hub is an interesting proposal. It combines the home phone with a small display (not unlike the Chumby) that includes a series of applications to help people organize their lives. Hopefully, this initial effort to "reinvent" the home phone will be successful and further development will include software that is open to all the living room software developers out there.

All the big names are hard at work on this: GE, Google, Verizon, AT&T, IBM... (this list goes on). There are many more smaller companies that have done the tough job of proving that the technology works, but it sadly appears as if they will be eaten up by the power players. The competition is great, it's a proven method of finding the best solution. Now we get to sit back and enjoy.

I declare today's winner, the Verizon Hub. It's new, different, it looks great, and it would be a great place for that killer app to show me how I can save some money if I was just a little bit smarter with my energy usage. Tomorrow's winner, might win it all... so stay tuned.

Learn more about the Verizon Hub.

A Respone To the Latest Comment

Demand Response is a nice way to best utilize the energy supply that we have in relation to the transmission grid. I whole heartedly endorse the use of DR to allow Energy producers and Transmission compnaies - even down to the distribution providers to use every single method of DR to it's fullest use. That means sometimes DR is used to make available a Megawatt or two for profit purposes. Using DR for the purpose of conservation (saving the planet) is an abberant use of the technology. Until we (the USA) regain the samnity of mind that says we need more generation, both coal and nuclear, we will further become global paupers and apologists for being "consumers". Oh to see the day when we value production rather than wasted capacity. Wise use of resources for sure, but this country did not become great by conservation. We did not save the world from despotism twice in the 20th century by conservation. We had to out produce the enemy not out conserve them. We have vast resources of coal and natural gas, we have safe nuclear technology,if we knuckle under to the Global Warming alarmists, we will give global supremacy to our enemy and become their subjects.
- Anonymous

First, I would like to note that if you do decide to leave a comment that's great, but please avoid using an anonymous title.

Conservation and production are not necessarily at odds with each other. In fact, our country is currently racing to produce as much renewable energy as we can. There is not a real concern that we cannot match the demand. The goal in our manufacturing today is to be a supplier of clean power which comes free with the ever blowing wind and shining sun. Also, the goal is to use conservation wisely so that when demand increases our production will be enhanced.

Demand response initiatives and energy efficiency are steps that can be accomplished today. The result of which will appear each month on energy bills that use fewer kilowatts and therms. This money, a cost of living, can go towards more valuable household resources like education, day care, and health care.

The costs of using polluting nonrenewable natural resources cannot be seen on a monthly bill. They are hidden within health care costs, food prices, and national security.

Also, beware of getting the sense that there is an "enemy" that we are competing with. Adding sophistication to our electricity generation is a global remedy that everyone will benefit from.

These solutions and objectives do not come from an effort to stop global warming. The ideas have been around for a lot longer than that term has existed. A more efficient and sustainable society is more stable and the consumer is better protected to consume without fear of poverty, disease, and insecurity.

Wind Powered Drive-in Theater

The Harvest Moon Drive-In is only open on the weekends in April, May, and September, daily throughout June, July, August, and its closed during the winter, but that does not stop the wind from blowing. Here is another great example of a business lowering its energy costs that can now put that money towards the customer experience.

GIBSON CITY, Ill. - "Monsters vs. Aliens" had top billing at the Harvest Moon Twin Drive-In in Gibson City. But the three-armed, 50-foot beast at the gate and its shorter companion weren't part of the production.

Drive-in owner Mike Harroun (huh-ROON') has installed two energy-producing wind turbines. He believes the Harvest Moon is now the world's only wind-powered drive-in.

The turbines feed power to the electric grid and the theater is credited for that energy.

Harroun says the turbines will initially cut his costs by 30 percent. Eventually, he hopes the turbines will provide all of the drive-in's power.

The Harvest Moon is the only drive-in in east-central Illinois. Gibson City is about 30 miles north of Champaign.

Information from: The Pantagraph, http://www.pantagraph.com

Check out the Harvest Moon Drive-in here (with more pics of the windmills).

GE Announces 2012 Olympic Village Smart Meter Program

Here in Chicago, Olympic fever has reached an early climax with members of the IOC surveying the city this week in its bid as a possible host for the 2016 games. In that spirit, today's entry will feature the upcoming London 2012 games.

GE has announced that it will equip the 2012 Olympic Village with their smart meters. The goal is to use the platform as a launch point for the benefits of knowing the details of your household energy use.

“It’s how you use the information from smart meters to change people’s behavior, rather than the installation of the meters themselves, which is interesting,” explained Tony Gale, GE’s general manager of the company’s London 2012 projects team. “We want to show people the benefits of having detailed information on electricity use through information coming out of the Olympic village.”

A developed smart metering system is seen as such an essential piece of the future energy efficiency portfolio because it can provide improvements from both the supply and demand side of the issue. Utilities will have more knowledge, and thus control, over where, when, and how much electricity is being used. Customers will have up to the minute information on their own usage, and they will no longer be in the dark on their electricity costs until their bill arrives in the mail.

Pilot programs are beginning all over the country to determine the exact benefits utilities and customers can expect. The Olympic Village program will give the results a highly publicized stage. One can just hope that they will emphasize the ever elusive negawatts!!! (a PSP blog favorite...)

Refer a Friend to PSP get $20 at Home Depot

Pass on the savings!

Across Illinois, energy-smart customers like you have been saving money on their electricity bills with Power Smart Pricing. Since the program launched in 2007, participants saved an average of 10 percent on their electricity bills compared with what they would have paid on the standard residential rate.

This spring, you’re invited to help your friends and family save energy and money with Power Smart Pricing! Refer your friends to Power Smart Pricing, and for each friend who enrolls you’ll receive a $20 gift certificate to the Home Depot. You can put that $20 toward energy efficient products like compact fluorescent light bulbs or weatherization supplies to increase your savings with Power Smart Pricing.

To take advantage of this offer, simply tell your friends about Power Smart Pricing. Then if they decide to enroll, ask them to enter your name on the enrollment form in response to the question, “How did you hear about Power Smart Pricing?”

Encourage your friends to visit www.powersmartpricing.org to learn more today!

We’d also be happy to mail you brochures that you can pass along to your friends, neighbors, and local community groups. To request brochures, contact us at info@powersmartpricing.org or (877) 655-6028 and let us know how many copies you’d like to receive.

This promotion is available for a limited time only so tell your friends about Power Smart Pricing today.

Thanks for helping to spread the word!