General Electric Chooses Hawaiian Resort as Test Site for Smart Grid
The most fossil-dependent state in the U.S. will become a testing ground for energy-saving technologies A Maui resort community is slated for a new smart grid, courtesy of General Electric. The power grid will cut back energy costs by automatically turning off household appliances when electricity prices soar, and aims for the 2012 goal of reducing peak electricity consumption by 15 percent. The community of Wailea will see new power meters in homes that help monitor electricity usage among different appliances, according to AP. Part of the project also involves upgrading utility computers so that they can better integrate renewable energy from more unpredictable sources such as solar and wind. Hawaii currently must import 90 percent of its energy from outside, but has set a goal of trying to pull in 70 percent of power from clean energy by 2030. Maui...