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.
Related News
Christmas electricity spike equivalent to roasting 1.5 million turkeys: BC Hydro
VANCOUVER - BC Hydro is reminding British Columbians to conserve power over the holidays after a report commissioned by the utility found the arrival of guests for Christmas dinner results in a 15% increase in electricity usage.
Cooking appears to be the number one culprit for the uptick in peoples’ hydro bills. According to BC Hydro press release, British Columbians use about 8,000 megawatt hours more of electricity by mid-day Christmas — that's about 1.5 million turkeys roasted in electric ovens.
article continues below
About 95% of British Columbians said they would make meals at home from scratch over the holiday season.…
