Abstract

Baltimore Gas and Electric’s (BGE) Smart Grid Initiative consists of a territory-wide deployment of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), implementation of a customer Web portal and home energy management reports, deployment of a direct load control program, and installation of a new customer care and billing system. BGE will replace or upgrade more than 1.25 million electric meters to improve customer service, reduce BGE operation and maintenance costs, and offer customers a critical peak rebate program to help reduce peak demand and lower customer bills. Through a Web portal, energy management reports, emails, texts, and phone messaging, BGE delivers usage information to help customers better manage their energy usage. A direct load control program offers customers a rebate to enable cycling of central air conditioners and electric hot water heaters. In addition, a new billing system enables optimal utilization of the new technologies offered by these programs.