Energy Saving News
New York Unveils Smart Grid Plans
Plans for a smart grid demonstration in the Syracuse area of upstate New York have been unveiled by the National Grid, and is aimed at informing future development of a smart grid on a wider scale.
39,400 homes and businesses will receive smart meters to provide precise information about energy usage, as well as tools to help reduce energy costs and emissions.
Council Member of the Energy Saving Association (ESA), Ian Wrigley, believes in the undeniable energy saving potential of smart meters, as a cost-effective way of reducing carbon emissions and energy bills.
The ESA exists to promote the ethos of cost-effective and considered energy saving strategies and to facilitate the exchange of information and broaden the knowledge base for all those who wish to play their part in combating the effects of climate change.
Mr. Tom King, the US President of National Grid, comments: “The backbone of the new, clean energy economy is going to be a reliable smart grid system that will allow customers to better manage their energy use and costs and be compatible with new technology such as home solar energy generators and plug-in hybrid vehicles."
The trial reflects New York State’s Energy Plan, which aims to reduce state electricity use by 15% by 2015, and which Mr. King believes symbolises moving away from centrally generated and controlled electricity.
“The new model is one in which energy is integrated at a local level taking advantage of renewable energy sources and reducing overall usage,” says King.
If approved by New York Public Service Commission, the program will be implemented over 2-3 years.
Image by Kevin Krejci @ Flickr.
Wednesday 20th January 2010
