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U.S. Department of Energy
Office of Scientific and Technical Information

Competitive edge powerview: A DSM-focused technology

Journal Article · · Fortnightly; (United States)
OSTI ID:5310002

First Pacific Networks and Entergy have developed a single-platform, cost-effective system that provides a breakthrough in DSM and customer service as well as significant operational benefits. The system is sophisticated and flexible enough to enable voice, video, and data transmission, opening the opportunity for utilities to collaborate with telephone and cable television companies in deploying the system. This system, called PowerView, is an interactive, intelligent, real-time communication system that overlays and interfaces with the utility's existing infrastructure. It provides the means by which functions that typically are seen as separate and distinct can be integrated to achieve significant savings and enhance competitive advantage. At the same time it will accelerate the development of the highly touted information superhighway. PowerView's real-time, addressable communications capabilities allow utilities to offer a new form of DSM, known as customer-controlled load management, while it provides for real-time dispatch and verification capabilities. Customer-controlled load management (CCLM) is a way for customers to make choices about their electricity consumption based on tangible economic drivers. Price signals reflecting the utility's marginal cost of production can be transmitted in real time over the PowerView network. An inhouse system encompassing major appliances, controllers, and a users interface receives the signals and adjusts consumption on the basis of preprogrammed settings chosen by the customer. Consumers obtain current and up-to-date bill and usage information in real time to help guide their selections. Confirmation of resulting load adjustments are transmitted over the system back to the utility in real time.

OSTI ID:
5310002
Journal Information:
Fortnightly; (United States), Journal Name: Fortnightly; (United States) Vol. 131:20; ISSN FRTNE8
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English