DamonHD,
Within the stimulus package more than $35 billion is allocated to study smart grid.
http://www.smartgridnews.com/artman/publish/news/Smart_Grid_Stimulus_money_comes_in_many_forms_Money
_to_flow_by_April_Smart_Grid_a_better_2009_investment_than_alternative_energy.html
GE is claiming only $46 to $117 Billion to build smart grid. Therefore it's a lie.
http://blogs.wsj.com/environmentalcapital/2009/02/02/smart-grid-goes-mainstream-with-general-electri
c-super-bowl-ad/
Real Estimates of smart grid are in the Trillions of dollars.
http://money.cnn.com/2009/01/06/news/economy/smart_grid/index.htm
Just how much information does the utility need?
They need to know demand... look at their power meter. Forecasting demand is not difficult.
How much power is available, hope they know this!
We do not need revamping of the grid to accomplish these goals.
CA had problems which were self created. No problems the years before. The demand did not change and cause the problem.
Dynamic demand management (DDM)
Peak times charge more. Benefits:
Get peoples attention by doubling their electric bills if they don't pay attention.
Solar produces best during these peaks, making solar more affordable along with netmetering.
Business need to pay the price too. So far I see only retail paying.
Claims: if the electric car takes off the demand will take down the grid. More lies.
My electrical cost are on par with gas cost. The electric vehicle uses much less.
Low fees at night will support the demand at night when the grid is unused. Well within its current capabilities.
Sister in law lives in San Diego, CA, had optional TOS metering choice. Peak was at $0.25/kwhr. Night cost $0.05/kwhr. Designed system to charge a battery at night, discharge back into the grid during the peak rate. She worked during the day, turning AC off at peak times allowed this idea to work. Daily Electrical cost were free. Equipment paid off first year! She was not interested. Bummer.
Since then the Equipment cost lower, would be worth it at 15/5 today.
Electric company found the only users of TOS were people with netmetering, within the year the peak rate was lowered couple times down to $0.15 for peak and upped night rate to $0.10. Negating TOS benefit.
DamonHD, I wish you lived next door. We could have lots of fun discussing things over a beer.
Have fun,
Scott.