Metering.com March 11, 2016
Smart Metersllinois-based utility ComEd has selected 6,500 customers with smart meters to participate in a pilot that will help them to manage and reduce their energy use.
The 6,500 ComEd customers were randomly selected for the pilot and were given use of web and mobile energy-cutting tools and gift card rewards.
The smart meter pilot forms part of a partnership with start-up company MeterGenius, which focuses on customer engagement solutions for energy providers.
ComEd’s partnership with the start-up company is a result of ComEd’s SmartGridExchange forum that connects the utility with the academic sector and start-ups to explore and design unique products and services that will help customers benefit from smart grid technology.
Val Jensen, ComEd’s senior vice president of Customer Operations, said: “Innovative smart meter solutions benefit our customers by giving them control to monitor their energy use, lower their consumption and reduce their monthly electric costs.”
Participants in the smart meter pilot can take advantage of MeterGenius’ web and mobile applications, allowing them to monitor their energy usage by hour, day, week or month. They will also receive tailored information on how to reduce their energy bills.
Incentives for reducing energy use
ComEd announced it has set aside US$1bn to replace traditional electric meters with smart meters
They are also eligible to register for weekly competitions with other programme participants to see who can lower their electricity consumption the most.
MeterGenius CEO Ty Benefiel said: “By providing incentives for customers to control electricity use, we believe we can help promote sustainable energy habits while also helping customers save money.”
Just last month, ComEd announced it has set aside US$1bn for replacement of traditional electric meters with smart meters in the Lake County region.
ComEd will direct the US$1bn investment towards installation of smart meters in the towns of Libertyville, Zion, Winthrop Harbor, Lincolnshire, Lindenhurst, Long Grove, Wildwood and Wauconda.