Smart meters are gaining popularity, but their potential to save energy goes largely unrealized, according to research by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE).
Though investing billions in advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), most utilities have vastly underused this technology that can help customers save energy, ACEEE says. AMI is now in place in many states, covering nearly half of all meters in the United States.
AMI measures electricity use in short intervals (typically 15 minutes or 60 minutes) rather than by the month. Electricity providers can use such timely, granular data to better manage and optimize generation and grid operations, allowing for cost reduction and faster response to power outages.
The data can also be used to offer better programs and share insights to encourage customers to save energy. Despite these potential benefits, only one of the 52 utilities that ACEEE surveyed—Portland General Electric (PGE)—is building its capacity to optimize use of AMI to save energy.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jan 17, 2019
First resilience benchmarks for U.S. communities released
Provides way to evaluate current state of resilience and guidance for areas of improvement.
Codes and Standards | Jan 16, 2019
California mass timber building competition kicks off January 15
Competition will award $500,000 in grants to teams who design innovative buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jan 15, 2019
Hazard mitigation provisions in codes save lives and protect property
New NIBS study finds that adopting 2018 Intl. Codes generate $11 benefit for every $1 invested.
Codes and Standards | Jan 10, 2019
Ontario building first to achieve zero-carbon designation by Canada GBC
Geothermal heating, living wall among notable features.
Codes and Standards | Jan 9, 2019
Policymakers need to act to alleviate affordable housing crunch
Moody’s economist says costs including mortgage rates worsening situation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 8, 2019
Pittsburgh launches task force on construction industry fraud
Focus will be on wage violations.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019
Program uses low-cost sensors to monitor impact of stormwater mitigation systems
University/municipal partnership in Philadelphia aims to improve green infrastructure design.
Codes and Standards | Jan 7, 2019
Washington, D.C., to transition to 100% renewable energy by 2032
Includes measures to reduce emissions from buildings and transportation.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
Canada’s National Building Code will include climate change obligations
New durability requirements for new buildings in the works.
Codes and Standards | Jan 4, 2019
LEED v4.1 beta registration begins in January
First releases are O+M, BD+C, and ID+C.