Rethinking the Electric Grid: Ancient & Modern History, Smart Grid
The evolution of the electric grid from ancient to modern times, the concept of Smart Grid, and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Dive into the changing consumer landscape, historical context, and the realms within Smart Grid technology. Discover how advancements in technology are reshaping the utility industry."
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Presentation Transcript
Rethinking the Electric Grid BRIDGE Energy Group, Inc.
Topics Firstly it is about the Mindset Ancient & Modern History What the Heck is Smart Grid? The Status Quo is not So Great Wicked Smart Vermont The Payoff Pitch 8/19/2010
Mindset Before Technology My goal is to cause you to revisit your assumptions Are consumers of electricity the same as they were 10 or even 5 years ago? What have we sought to accomplish and what have we wrought from our policies? Are the enemies the same as they were 30 years ago? 8/19/2010
Historical Context Ancient History Grid Built to be Central Station Driven Bundled Investment Made on Behalf of Consumers & Society Investment in Long Lived, Predictable Assets Retail Rates Expected to be Stable 4
Historical Context Modern History Renewable goals Use energy more efficiently, use less electricity, rate decoupling Reduce carbon emissions Bar raised on grid reliability 5
What is Smart Grid? Perhaps an unfortunate descriptor for it implies that the current grid is dumb In reality it is the sum total of many components Enhanced operational control Consumer empowerment Think of it as the digital automation of the electric grid 6
The Realms within Smart Grid Hard Assets- Meters, Switchgear, Communications and Data Consolidation Systems Human Element- Adaptation to New Technology and Business Process Change 7
What is Smart Grid? The lack of contemporary information and communication functionality has been a key factor in preventing utilities from moving to 21st century business functionality among thriving American industries. Source: West Penn Power, Smart Meter Technology Procurement and Installation Plan, August 14, 2009 8
What is Smart Grid? We are an industry that provides customers with no information about our product and offers virtually no choices. We have trained our economy to believe that multiple day outages are unavoidable and that there is no cost associated with a "least cost" grid and heavily carbon-based supply sources. This technology calls all that into question and it is time. Source: A CEO of a major Midwest utility 9
Its Peak Demand Stupid 2/21/11
Smart Vermont Snapshot 315,941 AMI connections via digital meters & web presentment Distribution automation via a mixture of solutions including 828 automated regulators, 187 feeder monitors, and 198 remote fault indicators GMP, CVPS & Burlington Electric Dept. installing MDMS 11
Smart Vermont Snapshot Total project cost $166 million, 50% ARRA funded Collaboration of all distribution utilities with VELCO as grant facilitator and project manager Meter data collection first via mesh network Intermediate backhaul either fiber or 4G wireless Variable pricing trials follow infrastructure build-out 12
The Payoff Pitch Peak Demand Costly to Consumers & Society Established Regulatory Regime not Economically Efficient Consumers Currently Paying for Policy Mandates More Electricity Use Can be a Good Thing 13
Resources Principles of Public Utility Rates , James C. Bonbright, Albert L. Danielsen , David R. Kamerschen Advanced Metering Initiatives and Residential Feedback Programs: A Meta-Review for Household Electric- Saving Opportunities , Karen Ehrhardt-Martinez, Kat A. Donnelly, John A. Skip Laitner, June 2010 http://www.aceee.org/research-report/e105 Smart Grid Strategy: How Can State Commission Procedures Produce the Necessary Utility Performance? Tom Stanton of NRRI, February 2011 http://www.nrri.org/pubs/electricity/NRRI_smart_grid_strategy_feb11- 05.pdf 14
Resources THE ETHICS OF DYNAMIC PRICING , Ahmad Faruqui, Ph. D. The Brattle Group, March 30, 2010 Rethinking Dumb Rates, Achieving the Smart Grid s Potential Requires a Revolution in Electricity Pricing. Rick Morgan, Public Utilities Fortnightly, March 2009. http://www.fortnightly.com/exclusive.cfm?o_id=158 15
Questions ? David J. O'Brien Director of Regulatory Strategy & Compliance BRIDGE Energy Group Inc. 508.281.7133 x210 | M: 802.522.0917 DOBrien@bridgeenergygroup.com www.BridgeEnergyGroup.com
