ARRA SGDP NSTAR Electric and Gas Corporation (Automated Meter Reading-Based Dynamic Pricing)

NSTAR was 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 was to 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 could view their real-time energy consumption and costs through in-home displays and via a web portal. This approach was validated in NSTAR’s Smart Grid test lab. The project demonstration included approximately 2,700 residential customers in the Boston area. Data collection was to span two summer (i.e., cooling) seasons and occur over a period of about 24 months.