A research project by the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory of the Energy Department says having a digital device at home can considerably lower electricity consumption. It will help one to monitor the electricity to be used in a more effective manner. As a result, there will not be any need to build new power stations.
Digital devices at home that set the temperature and price preferences will reduce the electricity load by 15%. This figure over 20 years will mean a saving $70 billion, which would otherwise be spent on new power plants and infrastructure, and avoid the need to build the equivalent of 30 large coal-fired plants.
It is indeed a very cool and workable alternative for the power problem. It won’t give instant results but we will realize the significance of such a project only after a decade or so. But then there is also an argument, which says simplifying bills will be more effective. It will not only be cheaper than installing digital equipment but also allow consumers to understand their electricity consumption better. Which one would you choose?
Via NYT