More smart meters have been deployed in Texas than anywhere else in the United States; however, the customer-facing devices have not been widely adopted. Currently, utilities benefit from smart meters as customers wait for home energy management (HEM) devices. These devices will enable customers to control their use energy and reduce electricity costs. HEM devices will also account for customer’s energy conservation efforts and reward them. While it’s difficult to tell how HEM systems can take off, Texas electric utilities are taking the lead with new projects.
Recently, Austin Energy launched Power Partners, using Nest learning thermostats, in order to turn off air conditioning units, with the owner’s permission, during peak times on the power grid. The Texas electric company believes that this project will help reduce summer power demands, prevent power outages, and delay the need for new power plants.
Last summer, on June 27th temperatures in Austin reached 103°F; as a result, Nest thermostats lowered AC runtime during the hottest part of the day by 56%, Nest pre-cooled homes and let temperatures rise 1.6°F. This tactic prevented a potential blackout, as well as prevented a lot of coal from being burned to meet the rising energy demand. The following day, temperatures reached 106°F, Austin Energy and Nest lowered AC use by 49%, and only 12% of participants adjusted their thermostats settings. These results show customers will reduce their energy usage when they have the right tools and are given the option for energy savings.
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