Pacific Gas and Electric asked the permission of the California Public Utilities Commission last week to begin constructing six new smart grid pilot projects to benefit both the utility and its customers in the state. The projects involve installing line sensors and controls to give the utility better control over the power grid to make it more reliable and flexible with different sources of power.
Voltage and grid control systems will also be added to lower customer energy costs and make the grid ready to include customer-owned solar power systems. Local electricity demand forecasting through smart meters and other devices and software will also be implemented to improve efficiency. PG&E estimates that the cost of all six programs will be $109 million over the four years from 2013 to 2016. The utility is seeking the right to recover these costs from customers through electric rates, according to a statement last November 22.
The projects will serve as a test bed to evaluate smart grid technologies and a way for customers to understand how smart devices such as smart meters an better manage their energy use and save money.
