ISEIF Surge Series: The Human Side of Smart Grid

The utility business model is an important driver in making the energy system cleaner and more efficient. In what ways is the business model changing as the energy landscape diversifies? Clare and Uzma discuss this high-stakes, complex issue with Steve Kihm of Seventhwave and Andy Satchwell of Lawrence Berkeley National Lab, two authors of a recent paper about the financial and regulatory implications of the shifting utility landscape. Listen to the full episode for a tribute to the tenth anniversary of Snakes on a Plane, and hear Steve and Andy's insights into the following questions: -What is the utility business model and why is it so difficult for utilities to change it? -What factors must regulators balance when trying to incentivize carbon reduction? -How are different states tackling the transition to a less carbon-intensive energy future?

ComEd, one of the nation's largest and most innovative utilities, is halfway through a smart meter rollout that is part of a larger grid modernization effort What has changed for customers so far, and what does the future hold? Clare and Uzma talk with Val Jensen, Senior VP of Customer Operations, to hear about the latest updates on the transition to a smarter grid. Listen to get his insights into the following questions: -What results has ComEd seen from its smart grid investments to date? -How will the smart grid change the relationship between the utility and its customers? -What does the future hold for ComEd's business model?

Can new payment methods help low-income customers pay their bills and reduce utility arrearage? Flexible and prepay plans have been found to reduce late fees, increase consumer engagement, and decrease energy usage. Clare and Uzma talk with Andrew Burroughs of IDEO and Dave Elve of PayGo about how their respective efforts have impacted utility customers. Listen to get their insights into the following questions: -What struggles do low-income and other utility customers face when paying their bills? -Why do customers prefer prepaid or flexible payment methods? -How can utilities overcome trust barriers with their customers?

Are utility customers interested in the smart grid? The Smart Grid Consumer Collaborative's research provides a unique perspective on how consumers think about their electricity usage, a valuable resource for utilities who are looking to offer new products and services. Clare and Uzma talk with SGCC President Patty Durand about their latest findings on what motivates people to engage smart meter data and technologies, how the smart grid is changing the dynamic between consumers and electricity, and how its benefits might extend to our four-legged friends. Listen to get her insights into the following questions: - What are the five main segments of electricity consumers? - How are consumers' views of new technology changing? - Which utilities are doing the most effective outreach around new offerings? You can find SGCC's new report, The Empowered Consumer, here: smartgridcc.org/empowered-consumer/.

The smart grid has brought lots of benefits for utility companies, but what about everyone else? What are utilities doing to provide residential customers value from their smart meters? On the latest episode of the Surge Series, Clare and Uzma debate whether the smart home is sexist, and talk with Joel Miller of DTE Energy about the award-winning DTE Insight app. Their discussion explores the following questions: - Why did DTE choose to offer a homemade app instead of a third-party product? - What problems does it actually solve for customers? - How does a utility expert use the app in his own home?

Utilities have promised the smart grid as a pathway to clean, reliable, and safe electricity. But what does that actually mean for residential consumers?