Illinois’ largest electricity provider, Commonwealth Edison (ComEd), is the first U.S. power utility to use advanced meters to calculate greenhouse gas (GHG) reductions enabled by the developing smart grid.
ComEd has installed about two million advanced smart grid meters in the state since the program was funded five years ago, according to the Environmental Defense Fund (EDF).
The smart grid meters are also paying off in terms of reliability. According to Crain’s Chicago Business, the meters were one reason the power provider achieved one of its best reliability records. This despite 21 storms and 23 tornadoes last year.
Smart Grid Measure GGH
For example, when power comes from high-carbon coal, using a kWh of this electricity results in more carbon pollution than when power is coming from mostly low-carbon wind or solar,” wrote Dick Munson, director of EDF’s Midwest Clean Energy Program.
The smart meters will capture GHG reductions from a variety of Illinois clean energy and smart grid initiatives, like:
- Energy efficiency and conservation
- Reduced peak electric demand
- Customer demand response incentives
- Renewable energy integrations
The smart meters create systemwide environmental benefits when they reveal ways to reduce electric demand, such as when they reduce reliance on fossil fuel combustion plants during extreme weather.
ComEd collects the data remotely, saving money and cutting traffic and fleet pollution. The company’s goal is to install smart meters to all its approximately four million customers in northern Illinois by 2018.
Munson believes the advanced smart grid meters may change the game for the power industry.
Learn more about ComEd’s Smart Meter Program:
