Northwest Utilities and PNNL Want to Show Us How Smart Grid Is Done

Twelve utilities in five Northwest states have joined DOE's Pacific Northwest Regional Laboratory (PNNL) and science and technology development company Battelle in a proposed large-scale series of experiments intended to demonstrate how to improve management of the electric grid. Battelle, which manages PNNL for DOE, has applied for Recovery Act demonstration grant money to help support the project.

Battelle's $178 million project will involve 60,000 homes and businesses from Oregon to Wyoming.

The consortium already has a leg up on the proposed project. PNNL conducted a test of Smart Grid technology in Washington and Oregon in 2006-2007 that was widely regarded as a success. The earlier study found that consumers will shift their energy usage to periods when demand is lower if it will save on their utility bills. Another element of the study showed that utilities were able to reduce demand peaks with appliances specifically designed for the job. The Northwest's Bonneville Power Administration, one of four regional federal electricity marketing utilities, participated in the first project and will participate in the Battelle-led project, too.

The Spokane Spokesman-Review quoted Carl Imhoff, a research director with Battelle, as saying that this project is extremely significant because it incorporates participation from such a large region. "Using 12 different utilities like this is a very compelling and bold experiment," he said. Referring to the earlier study, he also noted, "That was just 120 homes. We're extending that up to 60,000 units participating, not just 120."

The demonstration grants provide up to 50% of project cost. Project funding announcements are expected in October and November.

   Quick Take: This Smart Grid test proposal looks like an obvious winner. It would build on a very successful earlier study, but with a greatly increased scope in terms of numbers (60,000 rather than 120). Also, the ability to marshal proven players and a broad range of utilities in widely different geographic regions is a major plus.

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