NSTAR Electric and Gas Corporation Automated Meter Reading-Based Dynamic Pricing Project Description
Sept. 15, 2015
U.S. Department of Energy
NSTAR is enabling 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 can 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 includes approximately 2,700 residential customers in the Boston area. Data collection will span two summer (i.e., cooling) seasons and occur over a period of about 24 months.