A couple of weeks ago I got a notice from PG&E that they will shortly be installing a "SmartMeter" to replace my current "dumb meter". The principal benefit is that PG&E will be able to get real-time demand data for every location as opposed to currently getting aggregate consumption for every location by sending out a technician to read the meter.
Future PG&E SmartMeter™ program customer benefits:
- Fewer interruptions. We'll collect meter data without setting foot on your property and interrupting your schedule.
- Faster power restoration. We'll be able to pinpoint power outages and restore your power faster.
- Faster problem resolution. We'll be able to resolve service problems more easily and, in many cases, without having a service person visit your home or business.
- Better billing. Because we no longer have to depend on in-person meter readings, we'll no longer have to estimate your bill when we can't access your meter.
- Energy usage data. In the future, you'll be able to monitor your own energy usage via the Internet and see when you're using the most energy.
- New rate options. As a result of the SmartMeter program, we'll also be able to offer you more rate choices designed to meet your needs. When these become available, you will be able to better manage your energy consumption and control your energy bills.
This is a good thing. With real-time location information it becomes possible to monitor consumption at any given time of the day and more quickly identify spikes and opportunities for shifting demand, supply and efficiency steps. In a small scale this is the kind of grid innovation that we need at larger scales.
Ultimately, we need the same capabilities at a national scale through a "smart grid". The current US electrical grid which basically was created before cell phones were invented. There has been little substantive innovation in the electrical sector. In fact there has been severe underinvestment.
The average age of power transformers in service is 40 years, which also happens to be the average lifespan of this equipment. Combine the crying need for maintenance with a shrinking workforce, and we may find that the 2005 blackout that affected parts of Canada and the northeastern United States might have been a dress rehearsal for what's to come. Deregulation and restructuring of the industry created downward pressure on recruitment, training and maintenance, and the bill is now coming due.The OilDrum provides a great primer on the current state of affairs.
