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Web-Based Distributed Generation Will Revolutionize The Grid

Currently, electricity grids are dumb--that is, electrons go out blindly one way to service equipment without regard to communicating sophisticated feedback.  If electricity outputs and inputs could be monitored and controlled via computer, it would revolutionize the grid.  Of course it will take super computers to control the awesome inputs and outputs required to monitor and control small, distributed systems all over a grid.  Today, mechanical switches protect loads but do not compute.  That is about to change. Computers will do for the grid what they have done for homes and offices.  Command and control in the case of a computerized grid is a very good thing.

Distributed generation is a system where small, modular electricity generators are sited close to the customer load.  This enables utilities to defer or eliminate costly investments in transmission and distribution system upgrades.  It also provides customers with better quality, more reliable supplies and a cleaner environment.  Technologies for distributed electricity generation include wind, solar, bioenergy, fuel cells, gas microturbines, hydrogen, cogeneration and hybrid power systems.  Of course, distributed generators will never totally replace large, centralized systems. 

Web-Based Distributed Generation (WBDG) equipment collects data on distributed generators and transfers operating instructions to them across the Internet. The system can scrutinize distributed generation sources for problems and alert operators, start and stop equipment, and conduct various load management procedures. WBDG is designed to provide a comprehensive end-to-end solution that utilizes technology to simultaneously consider real time energy prices, forecasted electric and thermal loads, frequency adjustments, maintenance costs, unit availability, efficiency curves, reliability needs and other key parameters to determine the most economically effective way to provide electric and thermal energy to customers.

Of course, connecting a distributed power system to the electricity grid has potential impacts on the safety and reliability of the grid. Several states are developing their own interconnection standards while awaiting completion of a national standard.  Of course, many companies will have to adhere to standardized equipment and practices to make distributed generation work.  One company currently testing this technology is DTE Energy Technologies. They are conducting tests in a cost-sharing program with the Department of Energy.

 

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According to Edison Electric Institute, underground electric lines cost about $1 million a mile, or 10 times the price of overhead lines.  One of the major costs involved with burying power lines is the need to dig trenches.

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Home Efficiency Increases

(1) Nearly One in 10 2004 Homes Qualified for Energy Star
(2) Some Superfund Sites to Become Model Airplane Zones
(3) Minnesota Warehouse/Supply Company Sentenced for Illegal Hazardous
Waste Storage and  Disposal
(4) El Paso Waste Disposal Company Officers Sentenced in Waste Fraud
Scheme

(1) Nearly One in 10 2004 Homes Qualified for Energy Star

Contact:  John Millett, 202-564-7842 / millett.john@epa.gov

Nearly 10 percent of all homes built in 2004 qualified for Energy Star, according to an EPA report.  Since 1995 more than 350,000 of the nation's new homes have met Energy Star ratings, saving homeowners an estimated $200 million and eliminating approximately 4 million pounds of
greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to the emissions of about 150,000 vehicles.

Home energy use accounts for nearly 17 percent of the total U.S. greenhouse gas emissions and 15 percent of energy consumption nationwide.  For the past 10 years, EPA has been working with the
housing industry, utilities, states, and independent energy efficiency home ratings professionals to bring increased energy efficiency to the homebuilding industry.  Today more than 2,500 builders are committed to building Energy Star qualified homes, and in some markets 20 to 40 percent of new housing starts earn the Energy Star.

New homes that qualify for the Energy Star designation use about 30 percent less energy than a home built to the model energy code without compromising comfort or quality.  Energy Star qualified homes can be found in every state and the District of Columbia.  States with the most Energy Star qualified homes include Texas, with more than 91,000 qualifying homes, California with more than 52,000 qualifying homes, and Arizona, with more than 41,000 qualifying homes.  States with at least 10 percent of new homes earning the Energy Star in 2004 include Alaska,  Arizona, California, Hawaii, Iowa, Louisiana, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Nevada, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas and Vermont.

For more information, or a copy of the report, "A Decade of Change in Homebuilding with Energy Star, visit:  http://www.energystar.gov or call the Energy Star Hotline at 1-888-STAR-YES (1-888-782-7937).