The document explains the concept of the smart grid and its benefits, including real-time monitoring of energy usage and greater interoperability in power generation. It discusses how businesses can leverage the smart grid for cost savings and energy efficiency while providing tips on understanding energy bills and engaging with utility companies. Additionally, it highlights the importance of adopting renewable energy solutions and presents examples of businesses successfully implementing these technologies.

1. The IntroWhat is the Smart Grid?What are the benefits?How can you take advantage?

2. Intro to Smart Gridfor BusinessesAnn Treacy broadband.mnrem.com

3. What is the Smart Grid?Two-way communication along the electricity supply-use chain opens the door to better automation, interoperability, management at all levels (end userand utility)Smart TransportSmart MetersSmart Appliances

4. What the Smart Grid Isn’t…Half of the energy in the US is lost in the way we produce, transmit and use electricityOutages cost $150 billion a yearThe system today was built for peak consumption of yesterdayThe Smart Grid allows for more fluidity

6. What are the benefits?You will have access to your smart meter stats in real time and over time. Interoperability of power generation means you can mix and match your power generation sourcesA self-healing, redundant system means greater stability for your electricityStorage cells and improved transmission means you can get/give power over greater distances

7. How can you take advantage of the Smart Grid?Understand your current situationUse info to find potential for cost savingPrepare your office/floor/systems for the smart gridInvestigate options to take it further

8. Understand your Energy BillA kWh (kilowatt-hour) is a measure of production: capacity x time. A 1,000 watt window unit air conditioner turned on for 1 hour uses 1 kWh (1,000 watts x1 hour)

9. Understand your Energy BillDelivery fees cover the utility’s maintenance costs of lines and meters and administration.There may be an algorithm used to set these rates

10. Algorithm for FeesDelivery fee may be based on actual use and peak useDelivery fee may be tiered based on actual useDelivery fee may be based on time/day of useYou will need to talk to your Utility company to get the specifics – but this is where knowledge is power!

11. Understand your Energy BillGeneration chargesreflect the cost to the utility of either generating or acquiring the electricity it delivers to you.The national average of $0.113/kWh.

12. Average Retail Price of ElectricityStatistics from February 2011

13. Understand your Energy BillAverage Daily Use can fluctuate month to month. Bear this in mind when making decisions.

14. Smart Grid Mentality in PracticeCustomer-monitoring changes$3 Car Wash was able to reduce electricity bills by 20% by reducing electric demand (aka peak usage).The Smart Grid takes it one step further

15. Create EfficienciesSpread out turning on equipmentUse compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs)Use LEDsUse a Compacitor (Reduces spiked usage)Viable Frequencies Drives (VFDs) allow motors to ramp up to start, stop when you want and reduce spike usage

16. Understand Your UsageThe Smart Meters will allow you to see in real time and over time what your usage is

17. Contact Your Utility CompanyGet an energy auditAsk about their Smart Grid offerings/plansAsk how your energy bill is determinedTalk about possible savings by reducing peak usage or altering time of useAsk about how to gain more info into your own usage

18. Contact Your Utility CompanyXcel http://tinyurl.com/3e9yz7pGreat River Energy http://tinyurl.com/3ljlg3qSouthern MN Municipal Power Agency http://tinyurl.com/3ozoej7MN Power http://tinyurl.com/3c4kptg

19. Prepare your Office/Floor/SystemAs you upgrade, consider smart appliance and smart applicationsRemote access and monitoring may allow you to balance your energy workloadAutomated responders may decreased “up time”Talk to equipment, machinery, ERP providers about smart appliancesTalk to your electrician

20. Prepare your Office/Floor/SystemTalk to utility providers about smart appliancesSome may provide rebates for energy efficient machineryThe providers are motivated to work with you to minimize their peak usage timesTalk to Energy Star http://tinyurl.com/3sqz5ja

21. Side Note: US Policy The ARRA allotted $4.5 billion for increased energy efficiencyThose projects may be publishing results and unveiling products soonThe federal government continues to list energy efficiency and dependence as a priority. There may be more funding in the futureGet more info on incentives http://tinyurl.com/4xgtly6

22. Going GreenConsider your energy consumptionDoes it make sense to deploy renewable energy generating solutions Recognize that the smart grid makes it easier and more beneficial to go green.

23. Going green for the environmentMiller’s Modern Garage in MankatoThe 10.34kW solar electric system produces about 12,500kWh of electricity on average per year. Producing 12,500kWh of electricity annually from coal emits about 25,000 pounds of carbon dioxide. Preventing this much carbon dioxide from being released to the atmosphere is equivalent to adding 1,250 trees to our forests. Over a 30-year span, IPS expects this system will offset 750,000 pounds or 375 tons of carbon dioxide.

24. Solar Power for EconomicsGenerates clean energy from its new 124kW solar electric system. System will pay for itself in 6 years

25. Get more infohttp://mnrenewables.org/http://www.cleanenergyminnesota.org/http://www.renewable.state.mn.us/

26. Questions?If you have an interest in further training on in your area, please let us know.Session will be posted online: http://www.mnrem.com/blog/