Some 4,500 customers to get energy meters that monitor usage in real time
Today Online 30 Sep 10
SINGAPORE - The Next Generation National Broadband Network (NGNBN) looks set to deliver not only a faster and cheaper digital highway for consumers, but, soon, also an opportunity to reduce home energy usage.
Yesterday, as it was announced that Accenture would design and implement the pilot project for a more energy-efficient power grid, the Energy Market Authority (EMA) revealed that the smart meters to be used in the system will leverage on the NGNBN and other communication platforms.
The meters will provide consumers information on how much electricity is being used.
Advanced metering infrastructure and the communication system will be key as the hardware for the IES pilot is set up between now and 2012.
The EMA shared these details and announced the budget for the project - $30 million, funded by the Government and Singapore Power - in a news release. It also gave a clearer timeline for the implementation of the pilot.
After the infrastructure phase is completed, the second phase, from 2012 to 2013, will focus on smart grid applications.
Around 4,500 customers in residential, commercial and industrial locations - chiefly the Nanyang Technological University campus, the CleanTech Park in Jalan Bahar and the Punggol Eco-Precinct - can then not only monitor their energy consumption "live" but also choose a range of pricing plans.
For residential consumers, they can shift usage from peak to off-peak periods when electricity prices are lowest. For industrial and commercial customers, they can install automation systems that include special programmable thermostats and other devices to monitor and control a buidling's air-conditioning and lighting, for instance.
The project is an "important step" to a smarter national power grid, said EMA.
When the network is up, operator SP PowerGrid will be able to detect "almost instantly" the location and extent of any localised power outage and respond promptly to restore supply.
In the future, alternative energy sources, such as solar panels and co-generation plants, will be able to feed into the grid. The benefits will extend to electric vehicles then.
Energy Market Authority to get S$30m to build Intelligent Energy System
Sharon See Channel NewsAsia 29 Sep 10;
SINGAPORE: The Energy Market Authority (EMA) is getting a S$30 million budget to build an Intelligent Energy System pilot project.
The funds will be provided by the government and Singapore Power.
The pilot project will involve around 4,500 customers in various residential, commercial and industrial locations, including the Nanyang Technological University campus, the CleanTech Park at Jalan Bahar and the Punggol Eco-Precinct.
EMA said this was an important step towards a smarter power grid, which would provide consumers with more information, choice and control over their electricity usage.
EMA said the IES project would be conducted in two phases.
Phase 1, which will be conducted from 2010 to 2012, will focus on the implementation of the enabling infrastructure for the IES like establishing the smart metering communication protocols and standards.
This will be done by leveraging on the Next Generation National Broadband Network and other communication platforms.
EMA added that Phase 2, which will be conducted from 2012 to 2013, will focus on the smart grid applications.
Customers with the smart metres installed in their premises will be able to experience the benefits of the IES through various services offered by the electricity retailers.
Residential customers will be able to monitor their energy consumption on a real-time basis with convenient in-home display devices.
They can also choose from a range of electricity pricing plans, thus allowing them to better manage their consumption and budgets, for example, by shifting their usage from peak to off-peak periods when electricity prices are lowest.
As grid owner, Singapore Power can use the system to better enhance delivery of electricity.
The system also enhances its ability to detect and respond promptly to localised power outages.
It will also allow Singapore Power to integrate new energy sources, like solar energy, into the grid.
This system also caters to the possibility of electric vehicles connecting to the grid, both to draw electricity from the grid and also to supply electricity to the grid.
EMA said the pilot project would allow it to test out promising smart grid applications in selected areas before rolling them out on a wider scale.
