Building Consumer Acceptance to Maximize the Value of Grid Modernization
April 30, 2014
NRECA
Cooperatives that deployed consumer-facing technologies, including Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) meters, as part of the Cooperative Research Networks Smart Grid Demonstration Project (SGDP) have discovered that these technologies not only can change the relationship between the utility and the end-use consumer, but also that this relationship must be changed to extract the full value of the smart grid. While much of the research on the smart grid has focused on the transformation of the nations electric system from an electro-mechanical to a digital system, the co-op experience in the SGDP has revealed the importance of the human side of the equation. Maximizing the benefit of these smart grid technologies demand response, time-of-use rates, peak pricing, and prepay and energy management tools for both the utility and the consumer requires new kinds of engagement and communication with the latter. This report examines the difficulties and benefits of forging a new relationship with consumers to ensure the full value available from smart grid innovations.
