These meters will give consumers the information to make informed choices about when and how they use electricity, enabling them to lower their electric bills, GE said.
The GE meters are equipped with Silver Spring Networks’ IP-based network technology, which creates a communications platform for the smart grid. This platform enables two-way communications between the utility and consumers, supporting peak and time-of-use pricing and more.
Time-of-use pricing can offer consumers lower electric rates at night and other off-peak times. By encouraging people to move energy-intensive activities like laundry to times of lower demand, utilities can delay the need for new power plants, improve system reliability, reduce their carbon footprint and save their customers money, said GE.
Bob Gilligan, vice president of GE Energy’s transmission and distribution business, said: “We are pleased to be a part of AEP’s approach to a holistic and comprehensive smart grid model with advanced technologies working together to maximize efficiency and reliability for both the utility and its customers.
“It’s an exciting opportunity to deliver more useable power for every kilowatt generated, while helping consumers manage their energy usage and keep their costs under control, without impacting their lifestyle.”
The company claims that the smart meters work in conjunction with grid automation technologies to provide real-time information on the grid’s status, right down to the consumer’s home, for improved performance and productivity.
This meter deployment, expected to begin in 2010, is part of AEP’s gridSMART initiative. AEP also installed GE smart meters as part of its smart meter pilot project in South Bend, Indiana.
In addition to the meter infrastructure, GE also is working with AEP to implement technologies that will improve efficiency and productivity of the grid through automation and IT systems.
