About ACES - Part 4

I know that ACES is just a bill and has been dormant for 4 years but its the parts of ACES that the prez is trying to get done starting with his recent E. O.

The Energy Policy and Conservation Act required that manufacturers label their products for their energy efficiency. You know as you have been shopping for washer/dryers, refrigerators, etc, the yellow label tells you that after you spend $1,000+, you will save $10-$15 per year in electricity costs. ACES takes it a little farther and requires that manufacturers to identify whether or not the products are SMART GRID capable.

Some of you may know that there is a device that you can install in your home that will allow you to control all of your SMART electric appliances. From your office, you can turn on your dishwasher, washing machine and other units. You've seen the ads showing that from your office, you can adjust your a/c, raise/lower the garage door, and set your alarm system. This device works the same way. And if you can change the operation, SO CAN THE UTILITY COMPANY.

The idea of the SMART GRID is to allow the utility companies to reduce "peak" demand. Honestly, the government wants us AND the utility to reduce consumption. Remember, we're trying to save the world. So eventually, the utilities will have to provide us with electricity a portion of which comes from alternative sources. And they must reduce peak demand. They can do that by controlling our appliances. If the peak is really bad, they will be able to turn off the a/c or heating unit.

Just imagine...
You have a large gathering at home for the super bowl. Someone spills the cheese dip and red wine on your white tablecloth. You quickly throw it into the washing machine but it is half-time. And as with all super bowl half times, there is a peak demand. To help reduce that demand, the utility turns off your washing machine. (Hopefully, they will notify you that they have done so).

Well isn't that special!!

More to come....