Xcel Energy has installed most of the infrastructure for the SmartGrid system in Boulder, CO. The $100M proposed investment includes 15,000 two-way meters and a fiber optic link between SmartGrid homes and Xcel’s system control center. The new meters are manufactured by Landis and Gyr, a long-time provider of electric utility control and metering equipment. If you have this type of meter at your service entrance now, you are probably one of the new Boulder SmartGrid customers.
SmartGrid will save the utility call-outs when the problem can be located on the customer side of the meter. Presently, customers must call in to report a problem. The new meters will let operators know of an outage and where the problem may be.
SmartGrid can also reduce peak loading by integrating load shedding programs and using 2 way thermostats.
The system looks promising, however, many links are not identified or resolved. Energy sensors and control points do not exist in most homes and will need to be installed by companies like Sunnyside Solar, that specialize in energy monitoring systems. Also, owners of rental property are not able to monitor the meter of a tenant for security reasons. However, Sunnyside Solar systems can be monitored by property owners and managers with an internet-based monitoring system. Password security is provided.
Tags: electric, Energy, metering, monitoring
