WORCESTER, Mass. (AP) - Electric utility National Grid has launched a pilot program in Worcester that helps customers better track their power usage and ultimately save money.
The Telegram & Gazette reports that the so-called "smart grid" program launched this week promotes energy conservation by charging customers more when electrical power use spikes and less when demand dips.
Smart grid refers to technology that permits two-way communication between a utility and its customers.
About 15,000 customers in the city are involved.
The two-year initiative will examine whether computerized thermostats, streams of data about kilowatt use, and promises of lower electricity rates will prompt customers to change their behavior.
The utility estimates customers in the program could reduce their bills an average of $16 a month.
Cox Media Group
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