Monday, Sep. 21, 2009
Software cuts power bills
Raleigh firm enters market
A Raleigh technology venture trying to make a name for itself in the Smart Grid arena says its software can cut customers' electricity costs by 20 percent on average.
Consert will present the results of several customer tests today in Fayetteville, as the company launches more pilot projects in this state and in Michigan. The joint presentation by Consert and IBM will be held at the Fayetteville Public Works Commission, a municipal utility that's one of the first to test Consert's product and is reporting monthly savings of $15 to $18 on a typical bill of $90. IBM is Consert's technology partner in the project.
Consert's technology lets homeowners and business owners disable water heaters, air conditioners and other electricity-sucking appliances while the customers are away. The technology is similar to a programmable thermostat, but it is managed through a Web site and can be programmed remotely.
Consert has completed six months of testing with about 100 customers in Fayetteville and about 20 N.C. State University professors in Raleigh. It has begun another pilot project with customers served by Wake Electric Membership Corp., based in Youngsville. It also plans a fourth test this year in Holland, Mich.
"With no impact to their normal lifestyle, we're seeing an excess of 20 percent in savings," said Jeff Ebihara, Consert's vice president of sales.
The Smart Grid concept has been touted as the nation's electrical future, and the Obama administration has dedicated $4.5 billion in stimulus funds to support Smart Grid development. A Smart Grid is a system of electrical delivery that is managed by digital technology.
The company is gearing up to sell the product to power companies. A proposal in Congress would require power companies in all states to promote energy efficiency and conservation.
