Energy Efficiency in the Green Impact Zone
Plans are underway to make the Green Impact Zone a model for energy efficiency. Neighborhood leaders, the coordinating council, local utilities and other strategic partners intend to develop and implement a highly coordinated initiative to reduce energy and water use within the zone — and, in the process, reduce utility bills for residents. The initiative will include individual property strategies as well as neighborhood-wide strategies, such as installation of a smart grid and the expansion of solar and other renewable energy sources within the zone.
Smart Grid:
Kansas City Power and Light is working on plans to deploy a "smart grid' in the zone. A smart grid provides enhanced reliability and efficiency through real-time information. With smart grid technology, the utility can monitor and manage electricity supply and demand. Consumers can see how much electricity they are using at any given time, allowing them to make better decisions about energy use and perhaps save money. A smart grid also allows for renewable energy sources to feed electricity back into the energy grid.
Some of the ideas under consideration for the smart grid include:
- Networks that allow the utility to make adjustments to appliances. For instance, the utility could remotely lower a water heater's temperature when it's not in use.
- Thermostats, appliances and meters that allow the utility to make adjustments to reduce energy use during peak usage periods, such as on extremely hot days.
- Meters that can show consumers how much they are spending on electricity in real time.
- Devices that allow the utility to determine how much energy is being produced by home solar panels and small wind turbines in the neighborhood.
