The two-year pilot programme, which began in October 2009, will evaluate how electric space, water heating and central air-conditioning customers can manage their electric demand during peak use periods. The pilot outcomes and experiences can be incorporated in the utility’s long-term planning process, guiding how the utility can meet future customer energy needs.
Michael Picchi, interim president & CEO of Comverge, said: “We’re pleased to be a part of a program that will provide PSE with the insights needed to meet their individual customer needs and priorities while also allowing residential electric customers to be active participants in improving energy efficiency and reliability.”
Comverge is providing the load control devices for PSE’s Bainbridge Island pilot programme including ZigBee-enabled programmable 2-way communicating SuperStat PRO thermostats, Comverge ZigBee-enabled Digital Control Units (DCU) and internet-enabled Comverge ZigBee Gateways to be installed on participating PSE residential electric customers’ electric space and water heating systems, and central air-conditioners.
In addition, Comverge’s Apollo Demand Response Management System software will manage the entire system, and could allow for integration of future energy efficiency developments. Participants will have access to their energy data via the Apollo Power Portal, Comverge’s consumer Web interface.
