Springs Utilities moves ahead with smart grid technology

"Smart grid" - it's the catch phrase sweeping the nation.

The Obama administration is moving quickly to encourage creation of a nationwide electric grid for the digital age that would allow people to track their energy use in real time and possibly make adjustments over the Internet. Federal energy officials held a meeting this week with the power industry to come up with standards and announced plans to provide economic stimulus grants of up to $200 million for utilities that implement smart grid projects.

Colorado Springs Utilities officials say they already have the equipment in place to launch a smart grid here. And there's an 85 percent chance it's already in your home.

"There's a lot of hype going around the country about smart grid technology," said Gina McCurley, manager of Utilities' Advanced Metering Infrastructure program. "What we're doing here today is basically putting our smart grid program together."

The city-owned utility has spent $56 million since 2006 installing automated meters for gas, electric and water service in homes and businesses. They have 80,000 remaining of a total of 450,000 in the city. Officials hope to connect all residents by the end of this year and all businesses by the end of 2010.

In most cases, workers can make the switch without contacting the resident, though they must gain access to the home to install some water meters, McCurley said.

The switch has allowed Utilities to reduce the number of meter readers from 77 to 11, which will eventually drop to zero, a cost savings. The automated meters could also someday be tied into a tiered rate structure for electricity and natural gas, charging more for use during peak times and less during off-peak hours.

During a news conference and installation demonstration Thursday, timed to the nationwide push for smart grids, Utilities officials talked about potential benefits for customers.

While details have not been set, officials hope in 2010 to offer devices in homes to let residents view their energy use, how much it is costing them and what their carbon footprint is at that moment, McCurley said. Another pilot program expected in 2010 would let residents monitor their energy use and adjust their thermostat over the Internet.

Utilities has applied for federal stimulus money for its smart grid system, as part of an $80 million request that also includes energy efficiency rebates, renewable energy projects and energy audits. But McCurley said the money, if received, won't reimburse Utilities for what it has already spent on the automated meters.

The switch is expected to cost $76 million when complete.

She said Colorado Springs is one of only a few utilities in the nation to install a smart grid for water, electricity and natural gas.