National Grid kicks off Worcester smart meter pilot
National Grid began a 15,000-customer smart meter pilot program in Worcester on Thursday, with new infrastructure and pricing at the heart of the remote metering pilot that could spell the future for energy distribution in Massachusetts.
National Grid’s Smart Energy Solutions (SES) program will evaluate the application of remote metering, where signals are sent in real-time from household electricity meters. In addition to sending signals, the smart meters will allow certain appliances to be manipulated remotely by homeowners or in some cases the power company. To date, 15,000 customers have been outfitted with smart meters, while improvements have been made to nearly 150 miles of electricity lines, with 14 smart grid base stations being installed, according to the company.
The $44 million pilot program will also make use of a “Smart Rewards Pricing Plan” that charges lower electricity rates for 335 days a year, but increases rates “significantly” during peak use hours during the remaining 30 days of the year. These days include especially warm days when many people will be running air conditioners. The higher-rate days will be announced ahead of time, according to National Grid, allowing customers to lower their energy use. As part of the pilot program, customers will not be charged in excess of what they would pay under normal pricing plans, according to National Grid.
The smart grid program has been touted as a much-needed upgrade to the state’s electrical infrastructure. Among the benefits, according to National Grid, will be the ability to quickly pinpoint power outtages through the smart meter readings.
“Much of our current electricity system dates back to the time of Thomas Edison, yet we all want cleaner and smarter energy solutions,” Marcy Reed, president of National Grid MA said in a statement. “What we are doing in Worcester is bringing innovation and new technology solutions to our customers supported by an advanced infrastructure that is more resilient, efficient and productive.”
Opposition to the smart meter program has focused around both privacy and health concerns. National Grid officials have stated that the technology has been found to be safe and it takes security precautions with all customer information.
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