smart grid delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability. Such a modernized electricity network is being promoted by many governments as a way of addressing energy independence or global warming issues. In 2009, SmartGrid companies may represent one of the biggest and fastest growing sectors in the GreenTech market. President Barack Obama asked the United States Congress "to act without delay" to pass legislation that included doubling alternative energy production in the next three years and building a new electricity "smart grid". On April 13th, 2009, George W. Arnold was named the first National Coordinator for smart grid Interoperability. Europe is also following a similar "vision". Oncor Electric Delivery Company LLC (Oncor) announced today that it will implement one of the broadest deployments of technology on an electric grid in the nation with its proposal to install more than 3 million advanced technology electric meters throughout its delivery system by 2012. Oncor’s Advanced Meter System (AMS) is expected to result in important opportunities for energy conservation and economic benefits to consumers. Advanced meters will allow Retail Electric Providers (REPs) to offer monitoring equipment to consumers to help them control energy usage. Oncor CEO Bob Shapard says the possibilities with the AMS technology are significant. “Consumers will be able to see how much electricity they use throughout the day and, using that information, make smarter decisions about how they consume electricity and when, in order to save money on their electric bills and reduce their energy consumption,” he said. “With AMS technology and monitoring equipment available from REPs, consumers will have the ability to get real-time information about how they are using electricity. It’s essentially an electricity speedometer that puts control in the hands of consumers. More efficient use of electricity will also reduce the need for new generation plants and help keep our air cleaner.” In addition to the potential economic and conservation benefits, these advanced meters will improve overall reliability of the electric system. The advanced meters have two-way communications capability that will help minimize the number and duration of power outages by providing an ongoing picture of system outages and potential trouble spots. With this leading edge technology, Oncor can read meters remotely, potentially avoiding estimated meter readings, skipped meters and inconvenience to consumers with hard-to-reach meters. In order to assist low-income consumers, Oncor will be requesting permission from the state regulator for the company to facilitate the distribution of free in-home monitors to all state-qualified low-income consumers. The transformation to this type of advanced metering technology began in 2005 when the Texas Legislature passed a law encouraging the deployment of new advanced meters, and, subsequently, the PUC set the rules for the state’s regulated electric delivery companies to install meters more technologically advanced than previously deployed. Shapard noted that an integral component to a successful deployment will be a consumer education campaign. Oncor’s AMS deployment plan, which includes the education campaign, will be filed with the Public Utility Commission of Texas (PUC) before June 1. The plan, which will require regulatory approval, requires the Company to make a significant investment in this technology and as provided for in the legislation will request recovery of that investment by a surcharge which would be collected over an eleven year period. For residential customers, this would mean a less than $2.35 per month surcharge for 11 years, which is a comprehensive figure that includes the advanced meter, communications and support systems, low-income assistance and customer education programs.List of The Major Smart Grid Companies: Silver Spring Networks Cisco General Electric itron Ibm

Copyright (c) 2010 Nadine Davis

It seems like a new plan or scheme for saving the planet is developed every single day. Anything that strives to help improve the health of the planet is a good thing, but not all ideas actually work. One hotly debated topic right now is smart grid technology; learn more about it below.

What Is Smart Grid Technology?

Although it's being discussed more and more, many people are completely unaware about what smart grid technology is. Essentially, smart grid technology is a reference to 2-way digital tech which is used to assist and permit users in communicating directly with the energy suppliers, which reduces waste, increases efficiency and saves money. Through this direct connection, specialised appliances will be able to function more efficiently and less energy will be wasted in the long run.

How Australia Is Getting In On The Action:

Recently, the Australian government invested $100 million to help and develop a smart grid demonstration project. This is the government's way of learning more about smart grid technology, in order to decide if it is a reasonable or feasible option. The government's interest in the technology has undoubtedly stirred up more interest in it among everyday people, especially those who already use things like solar panel Brisbane products. As the government conducts its research, many people are hopeful that smart grid technology will eventually become a reality in this country.

The Benefits of Smart Grid Technology:

One of the most highly publicised points about this technology is that the grid will have the ability to talk directly with smart appliances. Those appliances will be able to operate during off-peak hours, which will reduce strain and help cut back on waste. For instance, a clothes washer might run during the middle of the night; a load of dirty dishes might be cleaned by a dishwasher while the homeowner sleeps. Top-notch digital technology will be behind these features, and proponents believe that it will make a significant dent in the amount of energy that is used and wasted every day.

The Potential Downside of Smart Grid Technology:

As with anything else, some people have raised objections and concerns about smart grid technology. The most common point that individuals are worried about is a loss of privacy as a result of the direct connection between households and energy supply companies. Some people are afraid that their personal information will be compromised, and that their privacy will be invaded. Without a doubt, these concerns are being taken into consideration as the technology is being developed; safeguards will certainly be put into place in order to protect everyone's privacy. Even so, it's unclear whether smart grid technology will ever really become a reality.

Solar Panel Brisbane suppliers like eco-kinetics are undoubtedly anxious to see whether or not the Australian government will proceed with smart grid technology development. If it does, it is quite likely that Solar Credits Brisbane companies will be an integral part of the overall plans.