How is Glasgows project different from “load management systems” implemented by other electric utilities?
To answer the question, I will concentrate solely on the “anchor tenants” of our “communications shopping mall.” Municipally owned electric utilities across the country have struggled to implement effective load management programs. Generally, the programs in place reward consumers for allowing the municipal utility to control loads such as electric water heaters, air conditioners, heat pumps, swimming pool pumps, etc., with a $3-$5 per month credit on the customer’s electric bill. A lack of consumer understanding of the need for the program and the lack of interest in a $3 or $5 per month savings have rendered these programs less than overwhelmingly successful. This program’s initiative provides the foundation for a realtime exchange of data between municipal utility and electric consumer that will facilitate real changes in power consumption. The mediums of cable television and IP networking will allow continuous information to flow to the consumers explaining how this program can he
