Chicago utility eyes smart grid
A consumer's advanced electric meter could report an outage to the utility in an instant and ComEd could notify the customer by call or page when a power event occurs, the Chicago Sun-Times reported.
The smart grid would feature technology that immediately alerts ComEd when a disruption in power occurs, reroutes power so fewer customers are affected and allows ComEd to begin repairs more quickly, utility officials said.
The grid also provides customers with real-time information so they can make more informed choices about when and how they use electricity, the utility said.
ComEd officials also said the utility wants to install global positioning technology in its repair and maintenance vehicles, enabling a more efficient crew deployment.
The utility said its annual investments for the smart grid could range from $20 million to $250 million between 2008 and 2013.
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Lack of energy: Ottawa’s electricity consumption drops 10 per cent during pandemic
OTTAWA - Ottawa residents may be spending more time at home, but the city’s energy use has dropped during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hydro Ottawa says there was a 10-to-11 per cent drop in electricity consumption in April, with the biggest decline in electricity usage happening early in the morning.
Statistics provided to CTV News Ottawa show average hourly energy consumption in the City of Ottawa dropped 11 per cent during weekdays, and a 10 per cent decline in electricity consumption on weekends.
The drop in energy consumption came as many businesses in Ottawa closed their doors due to the COVID-19 measures and physical…
