October 5, GE announced a landmark pilot program in Masdar City – targeted to be the world‘s first carbon neutral, zero waste city being built in the UAE‘s capital of Abu Dhabi. GE specifically designed and manufactured the appliances and networks for this pilot. The equipment will be installed in early 2010 in the first building to be completed at Masdar City, the Masdar Institute of Science and Technology.

GE has had a smart or demand response appliance pilot program currently underway with Louisville Gas & Electric (LG&E) for about a year. Participants in the program, who are also GE employees, have reported that by changing some behaviors and using the features of the smart appliances they have saved money on their utility bills during peak pricing periods. Some reported as much as a 20% savings.

Reliant Energy President Jason Few said: “Working with GE on this program will help us bring the benefits of the smart grid to more customers in the competitive Texas market. As more smart meters are installed, customers will be able to take advantage of smart energy applications offered by Reliant Energy, giving them better insight into how they use energy so they can make energy decisions that are right for them.”

Vineyard Energy‘s David McGlinchey said: “The island is very focused on energy efficiency. Using this cutting edge smart grid technology to help us reduce the need for more power generation during peak demand times will help us reduce pollution by not firing up additional generating capacity and will eventually help our residents save money on their utility bills. The key learning will be if this solution is sustainable. Will our residents embrace these appliances? To accomplish our goals of less power generation, less pollution and lower energy costs, we need these appliances to be accepted into the island culture.”

How GE Smart Grid Enabled or Demand Response Appliances work:

GE‘s “smart appliances” receive a signal from the utility company‘s smart meter which alerts the appliances, and the participants, when peak electrical usage and rates are in effect. In the pilot program, the signal word “eco” comes up on the display screen. The appliances are programmed to avoid energy usage during that time or operate on a lower wattage; however, participants could choose to override the program.