Smart Grid: The Smart Grid is coming! Although not yet in Wisconsin, it is being successfully utilized in other parts of the country and world.

Smart Grids in the United States would save between $46-Million and $117-Billion over the next 20-years*

*Source: M. C. Kintner-Meyer, D. P. Chassin, R. G. Pratt, J. G. DeSteese, L. A. Schienbein, S. G. Hauser, W. M. Warwick (2003-11) (PDF). GridWise: The Benefits of a Transformed Energy System. Pacific Northwest National Laboratory under contract with the United States Department of Energy. p. 25. arXiv:nlin/0409035

 

What is a “Smart Grid”?

The “grid” consists of power generators / suppliers, consumers, and a distribution network. Traditionally, Utility Power Plants simply pump electricity into the grid – consumers use it as it’s available. There are complex technologies and pieces of equipment that manage this task, but it’s not an “intelligent” system.

A “Smart Grid” is intelligent and recognizes changes in energy demands and the associated costs of electricity. Smart Grids are in place in a few cities within the United States and Europe. Experts predict the Smart Grid will eventually be everywhere – Arch Electric is at the forefront of this technology and will be able to help you adapt to the Smart Grid and take full advantage of the benefits it will provide.

Eventually, your building and appliances will be smart enough to recognize when energy is most expensive, in the middle of the day at peak demand hours. We will help you adopt smart grid technologies that will react to these higher charges and do one of two things:

  1. Turn off lights, appliances, or equipment that should not be using expensive power at these times.
  2. Draw power from a battery bank and/or the onsite renewable energy sources (wind or solar).

Contact us today to learn the details of what Smart Grid will do for you, your home, and your business.

Smart Grid Basics:

  • Enhancement of reliability
  • Reduce peak demand
  • Shift usage to off-peak hours
  • Lower total energy consumption – better for the environment
  • Actively manage electric vehicle charging
  • Actively manage usage to respond to solar, wind, and other renewable resources
  • More efficient appliances and equipment over time based on a better understanding of how energy is used by each appliance or item of equipment

Smart Energy Demand mechanisms and tactics include:

  • Smart meters
  • Dynamic pricing
  • Smart thermostats and smart appliances
  • Automated control of equipment
  • Real-time and next day energy information feedback to electricity users
  • Usage by appliance data
  • Scheduling and control of loads such as electric vehicle chargers, home area networks (HANs), and others