As more renewable energy sources come online, installing smart electric panels in homes benefits both utility customers and utilities.
Smart panels are controlled via a smart phone app, providing homeowners with control over how electricity is used around the house. These devices allow for management of power flow in connected devices including solar panels, batteries, electric vehicle chargers, and power-consuming appliances within the home.
Vermont’s Green Mountain Power is spending $500,000 on a new pilot program to test the technology that it believes will help transform the grid. The utility has already installed thousands of Tesla Powerwall batteries in homes that are providing stored energy when demand peaks, saving Green Mountain $3 million in 2020.
Smart panels are expected to save even more by boosting the efficiency of electric distribution. With customers adopting more solar panels, electric vehicles, heat pumps, and battery storage, more efficient electricity distribution is a must for utilities.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2018
Workers allegedly held in captivity by construction subcontractor in San Jose pay theft case
Contractor pays $250,000 in back wages in Dept. of Labor enforcement action.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
Heat island effect can turn deadly in extreme conditions
Of all the impacts of global climate change, it’s extreme heat that kills more Americans each year than any other weather-related event.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
NIMBYism, generational divide threaten plan for net-zero village in St. Paul, Minn.
The ambitious redevelopment proposal for a former Ford automotive plant creates tension.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
In many markets, green features are more of a requirement for apartment renters
Renters in many U.S. cities have come to expect green features in apartments that they rent, with an eye toward energy efficiency and healthy indoor air.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2018
Length of North American construction disputes continues to increase
They already far exceed global average.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2018
Developer says net zero Salt Lake City apartment high-rise built at standard cost
Off-site solar, and mechanical/electrical system savings aid the achievement.
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.
Codes and Standards | Jul 6, 2018
Houston’s lessons learned from Harvey include lack of awareness by residents of flood danger
Inconsistent regulatory environment also cited.
