AEP Smart Grid Program Could Mean Big Savings

COLUMBUS, Ohio —A few weeks ago, American Electric Power officials’ rate hike was approved—approximately 7 percent for three years.

The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio made it known that the company should use the money wisely and give back to the customers.

NBC 4‘s Marcus Thorpe was granted an inside look at the Smart Grid program.

You know you use energy, but unless you’re an expert meter reader, you are in the dark.

“Today’s customers don’t know when it’s right to use—how much could I be saving if I did x, y and z,“ said AEP representative Terri Flora.

Approximately 100,000 customers in the Gahanna, Whitehall and north Columbus area will be part of the Grid Smart test in 2009.

“In this lab, we put together a lot of bench testing things for the first time,“ said Larry Dickerman, AEP director of research and development for technology.

The customer will be able to set their electric usage times and know how much it’s going to cost—down to the penny.

The time of day affects your bottom line and new energy rabbit devices show that when the so-called ears are up, the prices are higher and when they go down, it’s OK to use your items, Thorpe reported.

“It gives them the ability to signal and say, ‘Use energy wisely. Here’s how to save money,‘“ Flora said.

The program should also help with reliability and repairs.

“If power goes out, we know it immediately and a real advantage to know in real time,“ Dickerman said.

President Barack Obama announced $84 million for local energy efficiency improvements in Ohio.

It will provide formula grants for projects that reduce total energy use and fossil fuel emissions and improve energy efficiency.

Columbus is set to receive more than $7 million. Dublin will get $184,000. Marion will get $228,000. Lancaster will get $163,000. Newark will receive $203,000. Westerville will see $160,000 and Franklin County is set to receive $3 million.

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