by Rebecca Walker — April 8, 2009—NSTAR is launching a Smart Grid pilot program to help consumers become more aware of how informed energy decisions can benefit our planet.
The program will provide customers with the real-time information they need to reduce energy usage while at the same time keeping costs lower than other Smart Grid approaches. NSTAR will accomplish this by using advanced technology to pair its existing automated meter reading equipment with broadband Internet service to provide two-way communications directly to a customer’s computer and a Home Area Network.
Smart Grid technology can help reduce energy usage and greenhouse gas emissions by giving customers the tools they need to make informed energy decisions.
Approximately 3,000 NSTAR customers will be selected for the pilot program. The company already utilizes a “smart” approach to their distribution system, with thousands of intelligent switches and sensors across the system that reduce the number of power outages and provide real-time information on grid performance.
NSTAR is the largest Massachusetts-based, investor-owned electric and gas utility. For more information, see the Web site.
