Prices, Commands, and the Flexible Grid, Part 1
19 hours ago
November 24, 2008
Power Smart Pricing on Facebook!
CNT Energy recently created a Power Smart Pricing group on Facebook. Join the group to get in touch with other Power Smart Pricing participants and to share information about the program with your friends!
November 17, 2008
Act On Energy
If you are looking for more ways to save on your bills, then the first place to look might be the source. Ameren has developed an energy efficiency program called Act On Energy. The website is outlined with solutions for your home or business, and a guide to energy efficient shopping.
They have a place to order compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) at a discount, which can help you save even more on lighting. Compared to a traditional incandescent bulb, these energy efficient bulbs use less electricity to produce the same amount of light. This will lower your bills while without leaving you in the dark.
The website also outlines the many other programs that will begin in the spring, summer, and fall of 2009. A popular program is a refrigerator recycling initiative that gives you a chance to have Ameren come to your home and haul away a second refrigerator that you might have in your garage. Often times these refrigerators are old and inefficient. For an incentive, Ameren will even pay you $35 for participating.
Act On Energy is a very extensive energy saving initiative. Utilities across the country have begun to put more and more programs in place to help their customers save on their bills and reduce system-wide demand. Ameren has done a great job of looking at what other utilities have done and determined which programs would be the most successful for their customers. Some of the options will be quite popular so it will be important to do the research now before they begin. We will surely give you an update on everything you will need to do as each program gets underway.
For the time being go to www.actonenergy.net and take advantage of their discounted CFL’s and search through the site to check out the new money saving opportunities that will soon be coming your way.
They have a place to order compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFL’s) at a discount, which can help you save even more on lighting. Compared to a traditional incandescent bulb, these energy efficient bulbs use less electricity to produce the same amount of light. This will lower your bills while without leaving you in the dark.
The website also outlines the many other programs that will begin in the spring, summer, and fall of 2009. A popular program is a refrigerator recycling initiative that gives you a chance to have Ameren come to your home and haul away a second refrigerator that you might have in your garage. Often times these refrigerators are old and inefficient. For an incentive, Ameren will even pay you $35 for participating.
Act On Energy is a very extensive energy saving initiative. Utilities across the country have begun to put more and more programs in place to help their customers save on their bills and reduce system-wide demand. Ameren has done a great job of looking at what other utilities have done and determined which programs would be the most successful for their customers. Some of the options will be quite popular so it will be important to do the research now before they begin. We will surely give you an update on everything you will need to do as each program gets underway.
For the time being go to www.actonenergy.net and take advantage of their discounted CFL’s and search through the site to check out the new money saving opportunities that will soon be coming your way.
November 13, 2008
A New Power Smart Pricing Website is Coming!!
Here at CNT Energy we have been working hard on updating the Power Smart Pricing website. We are fine tuning the finishing touches on what will be an exciting new "face lift" for our participants. There will be better access to hourly pricing, and well organized background information you can show your friends and neighbors as you tell them why they should sign up. The blog is still up and running, but yours truly has been a little preoccupied with the upgrade. Look for the new site to go live in the next couple of weeks!
November 6, 2008
GE's Smart Appliances
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.
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 3, 2008
Monticello School District Recognized as Top Energy Saver
Monticello, IL is home to one of the top 25 energy efficient high schools in the nation. The school district partnered with Johnson Controls to help guide them through energy efficiency improvements to its buildings. The schools were suffering from various problems including aging equipment, poor indoor air quality, varying temperature levels, and out-of-date lighting systems.
Johnson Controls guaranteed $3.86 million in energy and operational savings over the following 10 years. This agreement allowed the school district to pay for some of the facility improvements with savings it gained from the energy-efficient upgrades. According to Superintendent Mike Reeves, “Natural gas prices wrecked some school districts, but it didn’t wreck us. Ten years ago… it would have been devastating.”
The amount of savings achieved through smart investments is incredible. Many school systems throughout the country are suffering from strained budgets that have forced cutting teachers, extra-curricular activities, and afterschool programs. The Monticello School District has found away to ease the need to cut jobs by cutting their energy costs.
Via EnergyStar.gov
Johnson Controls guaranteed $3.86 million in energy and operational savings over the following 10 years. This agreement allowed the school district to pay for some of the facility improvements with savings it gained from the energy-efficient upgrades. According to Superintendent Mike Reeves, “Natural gas prices wrecked some school districts, but it didn’t wreck us. Ten years ago… it would have been devastating.”
The amount of savings achieved through smart investments is incredible. Many school systems throughout the country are suffering from strained budgets that have forced cutting teachers, extra-curricular activities, and afterschool programs. The Monticello School District has found away to ease the need to cut jobs by cutting their energy costs.
Via EnergyStar.gov
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