Honeywell partners with Baltimore energy company to help with demand response | 03.06.2008 | 11:20:03 | Views: 5721 | ID: March 6 '08: In a press release, a new partnership has been announced between Honeywell and Baltimore Gas & Electric which will work toward helping the utility company respond to peak energy demands during the summer months and to help reduce the risk of rolling blackouts. Through the Demand Response Infrastructure, customers are given the option to have programmable thermostats or air conditioner load control switches installed in their homes to reduce "energy consumption and costs." The press release reported, "BGE estimates that its DRI program will reduce over 600 megawatts of peak energy use by 2012, equivalent to the generation capacity of a small-to-mid-sized power plant." That capability is provided by Honeywell which has developed the UtilityPro that can access a wireless network to allow BGE "communicate with the thermostats, and cycle air conditioners on and off for brief intervals." "UtilityPRO features wireless technology that lets BGE communicate with the thermostats, and cycle air conditioners on and off for brief intervals. The change in temperature in the home is hardly noticeable, and the cycling helps limit energy consumption on the hottest spring and summer days," the press release read. Fairly similar ideas involving "smart meters" being used by utility companies in western states are helping communities in California, Washington and Oregon reduce their energy consumption during peak periods, allowing for conservation of energy and resources, Forbes reported. In addition to using the UtilityPro, the technology will allow "BGE can send customized text messages to the thermostats as well - an industry first," the press release read. "For example, the utility could send weather forecasts to customers, or updates on other energy efficient and conservation programs. In addition, BGE could provide customers with billing data, including current rates and month-to-date charges." National Blueprint Tags: Economic & Infrastructure.
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