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 | Aug 3, 2020
Report aids local governments on policy options, pathways to electrify new buildings
Document focuses on switching appliances and equipment away from natural gas, propane.
Codes and Standards | Jul 30, 2020
Institute for Market Transformation acquires Energy-Efficient Codes Coalition
Goal is to achieve net-zero construction by 2050.
Codes and Standards | Jul 29, 2020
Crackdowns grow on construction firms that fail to follow COVID-19 guidelines
States, cities, and OSHA enforce social distancing, hand-washing regulations.
Codes and Standards | Jul 28, 2020
California utility adopts climate emergency declaration
Sacramento-region company commits to working towards carbon neutrality by 2030.
Codes and Standards | Jul 27, 2020
Updated Energy Plus and OpenStudio building energy modeling tools released
Software offers performance enhancements.
Codes and Standards | Jul 23, 2020
North Carolina will stop relying on FEMA flood mapping
State will identify flood zones on its own.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
New version of IAPMO’s Water Demand Calculator is available
Enhanced features include selection between single- and multifamily buildings.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Mobile app calculates sound transmission for wood-framed assemblies
American Wood Council tool for floor-ceiling assemblies.
Codes and Standards | Jul 22, 2020
Architecture billings remain in negative territory, begin to stabilize
Fewer architecture firms report declining billings this month.
Codes and Standards | Jul 20, 2020
N.Y. construction firm to pay $1.5 million to settle sexual harassment claim
Managers said to demand sex for pay and OT opportunities.