Con Ed will Expand Data Sharing in AMI Plan
On March 17, 2016, the Public Service Commission approved Con Edison’s six-year deployment plan for Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI). AMI is defined as “an integrated system of smart meters, communications networks, and data management systems that enables two-way communication between utilities and customers (SmartGrid.gov)”, and is a critical component in the movement toward smart grids, demand management, and distributed energy resources.
Driven by demand from open data advocates and Reforming the Energy Vision (REV), Con Ed pledged to significantly expand its data sharing services as part of the AMI plan. Under this plan, residential electricity meters will read every 15 minutes, and non-residential meters will read every 5 minutes. The utility has pledged to share this granular data with customers and third parties through a platform called Green Button Connect.
The PSC’s approval comes with a few conditions, including a detailed plan on how the utility will engage customers in enhanced data sharing. Specifically, customers should be able to view their energy consumption data through web and smartphone apps. The PSC also requires that the smart meter rollout gives all customers access to demand response programs which can reduce energy consumption and electricity bills. Finally, the PSC calls on Con Ed to work with third-party providers of “smart thermostats, other smart home equipment, electric vehicle charging, demand response aggregators, solar and battery vendors, etc. (PSC order of approval)”.
Bundled together, enhanced data access and innovative technologies in energy efficiency, production, and storage can transform the energy landscape in New York City. Con Edison’s AMI rollout will be a key player in that transformation.
