Abstract

NSTAR and its partners will enable residential dynamic pricing (time-of-use, critical peak rates, and rebates) and two-way direct load control by capturing Automated Meter Reading (AMR) data transmissions and communicating through existing customer-sited broadband connections in conjunction with home area networks. This will enable recording and transfer of interval consumption data to NSTAR via a two-way communications pathway that can also be used for sending load control signals, measuring demand response loads, and conducting event-specific impact evaluations. Customers will be able to view their real-time energy consumption and costs through in-home displays and via a web portal. This approach has been validated in NSTAR’s Smart Grid test lab. The project demonstration will include approximately 2,870 residential customers in Massachusetts. Data collection will span two summer (i.e., cooling) seasons and occur over a period of about 24 months.