Sending some smart grid love to 5 utilities

By Liz Enbysk

SGN Managing Editor

Electric utilities take their share of grief. There's the smart meter angst. Complaints about electricity rates.  Customers upset about response times after storm-caused power outages. Often the good things utilities are doing take a backseat. So as we approach Valentine's Day, we thought we'd take a moment to show a little love for utility programs that are helping customers and the planet.   Below and on page 2 are five utility programs that caught our attention; please use the Talk Back form at the bottom of the page to tell us about others that you think deserve a little love.

Bluegrass Energy – This rural Kentucky coop's website features a very cool tool that helps homeowners calculate how much money they could save on their electric bill by implementing small changes. As you click through the energy savings home tour, standard items inside and outside a typical home are highlighted – from lamps to appliances, even landscaping. When you click on an item you can calculate potential savings and see how little changes can add up to savings.

ComEd (and others in the Energy Impact Illinois alliance) – They've put together some high comedy in their series of YouTube videos, TV ads and website featuring The Tale of Two Bills. Big Bill and Little Bill appear to be two regular guys who show Chicago-area residents some ways they can make their homes more energy efficient. It's fun stuff with a message – you can get your own little bill (from your utility, that is). Watch episode 1, Meet the Energy Bills >>

Eugene Water & Electric Board – Customers of this Oregon utility volunteer to pay a little more on their utility bills to support renewable energy through EWEB's Greenpower program. Now EWEB has $100,000 collected that it wants to reinvest in a grant that will fund a high-impact renewable energy program or project that benefits EWEB customers. Tax-exempt organizations and academic or public agencies are eligible to submit proposals by the Feb. 27 deadline. This spring Greenpower customers will get a ballot so they can vote for their favorite proposal. It's a nice way to give customers a voice. Learn more >>