A new trial has  been launched aimed at electricity users in New South Wales greater control over their energy use and providing them with greater opportunities to reduce their energy bills.

 

Launched by EnergyAustralia, the trial will aim to investigate new ways to further reduce their electricity spend.

 

The trial forms part of the ongoing $100 million Smart Grid, Smart City project that includes discounts for early payments, rebates and the introduction of new technology.

 

As part of the power pricing trials, customers can gain access to in-home displays, web portals, smart phone applications, home energy monitoring and direct load control devices while being offered a range of energy tariffs and rebates designed to empower consumers with greater information to change the way they use electricity and reduce costs.

 

The trials will be offered to 55,000 selected households in the Smart Grid, Smart City trial areas including Ku-ring-gai, Newington, Sydney CBD, Newcastle and the Upper Hunter.

 

“This trial could be a breakthrough for households wanting to be financially rewarded for reducing their energy consumption during peak periods,” Federal Minister for Resources and Energy Martin Ferguson said.

 

 

If this trial proves successful it will help build the business case for the wider deployment of these innovative technologies across Australia, which could help curb rising peak demand and delay the need to build new network infrastructure.

 

The Australian Government’s $100 million Smart Grid, Smart City project began in October 2010 and aims to test Australia's first commercial-scale smart grid.  The project is gathering robust information about the costs and benefits of smart grids to help inform future decisions by government, electricity providers, technology suppliers and consumers across Australia. The project is expected to conclude in September 2013.

 

For further information see www.smartgridsmartcity.com.au.