Real. Smar
Challenge:
Consumers are in the dark about the
consequences of their energy usage.
Real.
Consumer-Empowering.
Solutions.
For the first time in the 100+ years of an electrified world, consumers can
finally understand how their habits directly affect their energy consump-
tion. And it makes a difference. A number of international studies have
shown that real-time smart grid pricing information changed consumer
behavior, helped reduce household electricity costs by up to 10% and
lowered peak-time consumption by 15%. With information portals and
in-home devices, GE's smart grid shows consumers how they can take
control of their energy usage without sacrificing lifestyle.
It's Working:
Louisville, Kentucky consumers are improving their energy profiles without sacrificing lifestyles. GE smart appliances in homes equipped with GE
smart meters are helping consumers understand their energy use and make decisions that save energy and money every day. Smart appliances
are also lowering peak power demands by moving high-energy-consumption activities, such as freezer defrost cycles, to off-peak times.
10%
reduce household electricity costs
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Challenge:
A roller coaster of load demand means huge
investments in capacity that's hardly ever used.
Real.
Load-Smoothing.
Solutions.
As energy demand continues to grow, so will the need for investment
in peaking resources that are rarely used, yet need to be available. That
contributes to skyrocketing energy costs between 2000 and 2007,
electric rates increased an average of 42% in the U.S. and 105%
in the UK. With worldwide energy demand forecasted to double by
2030, it's only going to get worse. GE is smoothing the demand peaks
and valleys with demand response solutions, consumer empowerment
tools and voltage-reducing Volt/VAR technologies to lower peak demand
and better manage loads around the clock.
It's Working:
The world's largest Marine Corps base uses GE's smart microgrid to handle on-site power generation and energy storage, while simultaneously
interacting with the local electric grid. Advanced network control and communications smooths load requirements by lowering peaking demand
and integrating power from the grid and onsite storage as needed. The solution also enhances the base's ability to add renewable resources,
shrinking its carbon footprint and increasing its energy independence.