Smart Grid Seen as the Future of Energy - Upcoming Event to Highlight Local Advances in Smart Grid Technology

The Department of Energy announced Monday it plans to release $3.3 billion in federal stimulus grants of up to $200 million each to companies and utilities for the development of a smarter, faster power grid.  A Smart Grid is an automated network capable of measuring amounts and peak times of a homeowner’s or business’ actual electricity consumption; detecting outages; and storing power during off-peak hours for use during times of higher demand. These practices will allow consumers to better manage their electricity consumption, control utility costs and use energy more wisely.  It also allows for real-time notification of service outages which will lead to advances in customer service. 

Locally about 10,000 residents of Gahanna, Whitehall and northern Columbus will have the opportunity to participate in a field test of AEP’s gridSMART project which will provide them with an indicator that allows them to set their usage times and calculate, down to the penny, their electricity costs.  New energy devices show consumers when the prices are higher and when it’s more cost-effective to use electricity.  It allows consumers to use energy wisely and to save money.

In August, TechColumbus is hosting an event on Ohio’s Smart Grid featuring AEP, Duke Energy and the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio.  A panel of industry experts will explain the Smart Grid and how it will transform the way we use power.  The luncheon event, sponsored by Vorys, Sater, Seymour and Pease, will be held at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on August 14, 2009 from 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m.

Click here to learn more about the event and register to attend

For additional information on the new federal stimulus grants, see the story in Washington Business Journal. Or read more on the AEP Web site.