Navigant experts take a look at three residential smart grid programs currently being deployed across the U.S. and discussion of some of the interoperability challenges involved in each program. All three programs test the efficacy of residential dynamic pricing strategies combined with different technology configurations.
The first pilot program leverages customer-provided broadband and HAN equipment to interoperate with an existing automated meter reading (AMR) system. The deployment provides much of the functionality of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) but without the full investment or risk of stranded costs.
The second pilot program tests five pilot customer groups with a mix of interoperability configurations. Customer broadband communications are compared to AMI-backhaul for providing load control and customer information.
The third program discussed is one of Xcel Energy’s Smart Grid City programs in Boulder, Colorado. This paper looks at the interoperability challenges for this program from the perspective of a program participant.
The results from these evaluations, and others occurring around the country, will help select and value the most beneficial smart grid approaches and technologies for future investment.