The program will include the installation of electric smart meters at approximately 60 East Hills homes and businesses in 2011 allowing consumers to measure energy usage and also facilitating two-way communication between the utility and its customers using wireless technology.
Smart meters will intimate customers about the amount they’re paying for energy usage by sending near real-time updates to home computers or energy management systems and will allow them to participate in new, money-saving programs.
In addition to the smart meter, the East Hills residents and businesses signing up for the SmartStreet program will receive a free energy performance survey and special tools and information to reduce their electricity consumption, such as a personalized Web portal or an in-home display device.
Consumers Energy president and CEO John Russell said that the SmartStreet launch showcases Consumers Energy’s commitment to partnering with its residential and business customers using innovative technologies to help them control their energy costs.
