Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P) launched tests of various smart metering technologies to gauge customers’ response earlier in 2009.  Some were unable to show any efficiency gains while others worked well.

One test involved a glowing org that would change from green to red as prices fluctuated throughout the day.  The idea was to create a Pavlov-like response where energy consumers would turn down their power consumption whenever the orb turned red.  Unfortunately, people paid little attention to the changing colors.

“It did not have an impact,” said Jessica Brahaney Cain, the conductor of the test for CL&P.  Cain said that people’s behavior was not conditioned to change with the changing colors.

The test came about as required by 2007 legislation that required CL&P to recommend metering devices that encourage consumers to conserve energy.  The results of the test are important for CL&P’s 1.2 million customers and will have an impact on energy consumers throughout Connecticut.  CL&P is required to submit its findings to the state’s Department of Public Utility Control by the end of March next year.

The test, involving about 3,000 business and residential customers, was one of the largest of its kind ever in the United States.  Nearly half the participants were business consumers, according to Cain.

Other equipment and pricing programs did work to change consumer behavior.  Smart meters that provided hourly usage information, smart switches for business air conditioning systems, and programmable thermostats showed positive results.

Variable pricing plans where consumers paid more as demand increased and less when demand was low generated average savings of about $15.21 for residential customers but business consumers ended up paying $15.45 more.  This understandable because a residential consumer can put off power-hungry tasks until later in the day but commercial and industrial customers cannot shut down operations in the afternoon when energy prices are at their highest.

Cain said that remote control of equipment was typically more successful to encourage conservation than the glowing orbs.  Three rate plans were used during the trial run.  The time of use plan that created an eight-hour peak usage window didn’t work well for businesses.  In terms of conservation, the rate plan worked well to conserve energy during times of peak demand.

Lawrence Hmurcik, engineering school chairman and professor of electrical engineering at the University of Bridgeport, said he wasn’t so sure about the technology.

“I would welcome a smart meter in my home to monitor my usage,” said Hmurcik.  “All these other gadgets and add-ons, I’m a little skeptical.”

Hmurcik added that it would be a huge undertaking to create energy management systems within homes and thought that air conditioning and heating systems are turned on when they shouldn’t be.

Hmurcik said he believes that smart meters are able to track energy consumption very accurately and the technology involved in taking the accurate readings has been established for many years.  He said smart meter technology would also make it nearly impossible for thieves to steal power.

Connecticut Light & Power
107 Selden Street
Berlin, CT
https://www.cl-p.com

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