Texas Project Aimed at Lowering Electricity Bills, Reducing Power Use During Peak Demand Launched in Dallas
For Immediate Release (July 10, 2008) For more Information Contact: Robert Howden, CEO, 512 320-8356 or Dr. Milton Holloway, COO, 512 472-3800
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DALLAS (July 10, 2008)—A pilot project aimed at cutting electricity bills and lowering Texans’ energy use during late summer afternoons when electricity use is highest begins this week in Dallas. Center for the Commercialization of Electric Technology (CCET) member companies Direct Energy, Reliant Energy and TXU Energy will begin recruiting customers to participate in this unique program.
CCET, an organization created in 2005 by the electric industry, technology companies and universities to promote new technology, is leading the program which is being conducted in both Dallas and Houston this summer and into the fall. The pilot takes advantage of advanced metering technology deployed in Dallas by Oncor and in Houston by CenterPoint Energy.
“The project is designed to demonstrate that emerging electric technologies can
conveniently provide consumers with the ability to manage their electricity use
and reduce their electric bills,” said Robert Howden, CCET’s chief executive
officer.
The pilot will test whether control of consumers’ thermostats, water heaters and
pool pumps by Direct Energy, Reliant and TXU Energy will be accepted by
consumers during periods of the day when wholesale electric prices are high.
Consumers will have the opportunity to override thermostat controls. If the pilot
succeeds, consumer acceptance may allow these retail companies to reduce
purchases of the most expensive power.
Customers will receive an incentive payment to participate, a free inspection of
their air conditioning system, and a new thermostat in exchange for participating
in the pilot this summer and fall.
“The CCET project presents a unique opportunity for the electric industry and
state leaders to gain insight into what actions produce the biggest benefit during
peak periods,” said Dr. Milton Holloway, CCET’s chief operating officer.
“Texas’ leading electric market participants are deploying state of the art
technologies such as remotely controlled thermostats and advanced metering
technology that will help consumers monitor electric use.
Customer recruiting for the pilot by Reliant, Direct Energy and TXU Energy is
near completion in Houston and began this week in Dallas. The pilot targets up to
500 residents in each city to voluntarily participate.
Residents in neighborhoods where Oncor and CenterPoint Energy have installed
advanced metering technology that can measure electric consumption in these
homes every 15 minutes are eligible to participate in the pilot.
CCET Members supporting this project through funding, time and equipment
include: electric delivery companies American Electric Power (AEP Texas),
CenterPoint Energy, and Oncor, energy retailers Direct Energy, Reliant, and TXU
Energy and technology companies Comverge and CURRENT Group.
Technology partners include Comverge (Nasdaq:COMV), and Corporate Systems
Engineering who manufacture equipment that will control equipment in customer
homes and provide software to manage the customers’ equipment. CURRENT
Group has provided systems integration experience for demand side systems in
Dallas.