A Step in the Right Direction

Smart Grid technology continues to move to the forefront as our aging electric infrastructure has already passed functional obsolescence. Still an expensive proposition, the migration to a smart grid system will be a benefit for all involved, especially in the long run. Customers, utilities and the environment will benefit from the efficiencies created by an intelligently distributed electrical system.

NvEnergy in Nevada is getting a little closer by offering it's customers a 'Time of Use' alternative to save an estimated 15% on their energy bill. Successful in other states, by offering a lower rate to entice customers to shift their heavier usage to off-peak hours, it reduces the utilities cost and that savings gets past on to the consumer ( for more info go to NvEnergy TOU)

It's a step in the right direction. We still have a long way to go.

Replacing the decaying grid that has served it's purpose for nearly a century to a more de-centralized, smart grid is the only make-sense option. We actually lose more power through transmission than we use (why do you think it unhealthy to live near a transmission line?) The money saved in power loss is a substantial down payment on the smart grid system. Once at the customer, smart meters are the next step (available today and in use where utilities offer bidirectional power monitoring (i.e., the customer's right to sell excess power back to the grid)). There are a number of companies at the forefront of offering smart meters.

Take that one step further and you have smart appliances. These appliances, already available, make Energy Star compliance look rather stone age.

We are heading in the right direction. As always, it takes a concerted effort, from consumers to manufacturers to utilities to the government to make it work. We all need the energy to see it through!