Insights from our Editorial Team
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Aug 17, 2010 |
While some smart meter rollouts have proceeded smoothly, others have become mired in controversy. Many commentators call for better communication between the utility and its customers on why smart meters are being installed. So, what are the essential messages that utilities need to communicate? We asked our readers and they delivered a few thoughts on the subject.
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Aug 16, 2010 |
Last week, Peter Darbee told the audience at a California Public Utilities Commission thought leaders event that it was difficult being a pioneer in the area of smart meter deployment, and asked, "But the question is, are we going to be punished for that?" In Fairfax, California, it looks like that's exactly what's happening. Citing health concerns, as well as concerns about accuracy and data security, the town council passed an ordinance banning smart meters for up to a year while these issues are considered. Despite questions as to the legality of the ordinance, PG&E has voluntarily agreed to halt meter deployment and set up a series of meetings with Fairfax residents and businesses to sort through the concerns. But will this change consumer's opinions?
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Aug 16, 2010 |
The Maryland Public Service Commission granted approval to Baltimore Gas and Electric on Friday, with conditions attached. BGE declared the decision a win-win for the company and its customers. But the Maryland Office of People's Counsel said it had fought for a year for full, evidentiary hearings and that the Maryland PSC's decision included important consumer protections as a result. The decision is likely to be parsed for its possible relevance to future regulatory actions across the country.
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Aug 13, 2010 |
One of the things that I don't think our industry is discussing enough is how the smart grid is going to impact the two primary ways that utilities currently communicate with their customers, namely, through the utility bill and the customer service representative. As the smart grid evolves, it will completely change both of these means of communication.
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Aug 13, 2010 |
Electric utilities need to communicate value propositions to consumers on smart meters and the smart grid. What are the right messages and media? The old, cost-effective way was to send one message to millions. A number of studies have found, however, that segmenting consumers by their different levels of interest in energy management and other issues such as cost and environmental benefits may be effective. One marketer argues that data supports "markets of one," in which every household receives a unique message. Jan Moore of Direct Options says that digital technology now allows this type of messaging to be cost-effective, too.
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Aug 12, 2010 |
Charging stations for electric vehicles (EVs) are sprouting across the country in anticipation of actual EV sales this fall. A panel of industry players on an Electric Drive Transportation Association conference call described their plans and columnist Phil Carson connects those plans with his sense of the barriers to adoption. Meanwhile, EVs attracted the most clean-tech venture capital in the second quarter, according to Bloomberg News.
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Aug 11, 2010 |
A media conference call on electric vehicle (EV) "Charging 101" pushed Intelligent Utility Daily columnist Phil Carson to ruminate on drivers and brakes for the EV industry. He cites proponents' and critics' arguments and concludes that a gloomy forecast for adoption may meet President Obama's goal for one million EVs on the road by 2015.
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Aug 11, 2010 |
Wind's growth would be stunted and the nation's dependence on fossil fuels would increase without a transmission build-out.
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Aug 10, 2010 |
A closely watched decision is due any day by the Maryland Public Service Commission on a rate case proposal by Baltimore Gas and Electric on the latter's request for a $835 million smart meter rollout. At issue is whether consumers will benefit and whether, given that uncertainty in the Maryland PSC's view, consumers should bear the financial risks. This is Baltimore Gas and Electric's second approach to the commission, which turned down the initial request in June. A $200 million U.S. Department of Energy grant hangs in the balance on the pendiing decision, due by Monday.
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Aug 10, 2010 |
Yesterday I was preparing an article about how to communicate the smart grid value proposition to consumers when a CNN story caught my eye.
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