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May 5, 2008

Smart meters could transform century-old power grid in U.S.

  • People who sign up for 'real time' rate plans receive e-mails or cell phone messages when prices are climbing so they can conserve power.
    • By MARC LEVY
    Associated Press Writer

    AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster [enlarge]
    This smart meter on Darrell Brubaker’s home in Elizabethtown, Pa., helped him shave about 6 percent off his electric bill by showing him exactly how much power he is using and when. The family decided to run the pool pump and dishwasher at night to save money.

    ELIZABETHTOWN, Pa. — Determined to cut his electricity bill, Darrell Brubaker took the usual steps of raising his air conditioner's thermostat and cooking more on the grill.


     
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