Dive Brief:
- National Grid has launched a two-year smart grid pilot which will make dynamic pricing available to 15,000 residents in Worchester, Mass, Fierce Energy reports.
- Under the new Smart Energy Solutions proposal, participating customers have daytime rates that are lower than their current basic service rate or electricity supply rate for 335 days per year.
- In return, customers will be asked to conserve energy on 30 peak demand days each year, and will face higher prices on those days. National Grid anticipates a typical residential customer will save approximately $16 per month with the new rates.
Dive Insight:
National Grid last week announced the official start of its two-year Smart Energy Solutions program, which it is calling "the most comprehensive smart grid pilot underway in the Northeast." As part of the launch, participating customers have the opportunity to try out new pricing plans designed to help them save on their monthly electric bills and prepare for peak energy events.
“The Smart Energy Solutions program provides participating customers with real opportunities to manage their energy usage and reduce their monthly bill,” said Marcy Reed, president of National Grid MA. “At the heart of the program is our desire to help put our customers in control of their energy and do so in ways that are easy and convenient for them.”
National Grid is also investing in new infrastructure and technologies in Worcester, where it says advanced communications and automation enhancements will enable faster outage identification and system restoration.
The new rates offer savings for shifting energy-intensive activities to any time before 8:00 a.m. or after 8:00 p.m., when electricity prices are the lowest. On the remaining 30 days each year, called Conservation Days, rates will increase significantly during specifically designated hours and customers will be prompted to take action to conserve energy. National Grid will notify customers the day before a peak event so they can plan accordingly.
National Grid also said the Smart Rewards Pricing plan offers bill protection, and if customers stay with this pricing plan for 12 consecutive months, their annual billing will not exceed the amount it would have been under their previous rate.
