Utilities’ transition to smart grid has promise, but potholes, too

For Dennis Arfmann, the smart grid worked as it should.

In 2008, as part of a pilot project with his utility, Xcel Energy, his home was equipped with technology to let him check via the Internet how much electricity he used.

Arfmann, 58, an environmental lawyer in Boulder, Colo., discovered that an old refrigerator in his garage sucked huge amounts of juice, as did an electric dryer. He unplugged both. He replaced his lights and kitchen appliances with more energy-efficient ones. His electricity use fell more than 50%.

Claudia Salada, 40, an administrative secretary in Fremont, Calif., doesn’t perceive her first smart grid experience as so great.

By Julie Schmit, USA TODAY

Full Story: http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/energy/2010-02-17-smartgrid17_CV_N.htm