Entergy New Orleans, Inc.’s “SmartView” AMI pilot project will be featured during an ISGAN – Clean Energy Solutions Center webinar scheduled for 6 June 2014.

Winner: Entergy New Orleans “SmartView” AMI Pilot

Entergy New Orleans, Inc. (United States)
www.entergy-neworleans.com/smartview

Entergy New Orleans, Inc.’s “SmartView” Advanced Metering Infrastructure pilot project engaged and empowered low-income consumers to use AMI technologies to better manage their energy use and reduce their energy bills. Through the project, Entergy New Orleans evaluated customer behavior in response to a number of demand-response programs, including peak-time rebates and air conditioning load controls, with a focus on reducing low-income customers’ electricity usage and peak demand.  The project used a number of different collaborative outreach, recruitment and education strategies, involving 7 local nonprofit community organizations, a variety of media campaigns, neighborhood events, targeted mailings and customer care calling centers.

The project engaged 4,700 participants (about 10% of the total target population) and involved implementing multiple smart grid technology education programs, developing measurement protocols and collecting data on consumer behavior and energy-use impacts, as well as estimating the level of customer support necessary for broader AMI programs. Approximately 80-90% of the program participants believed the program saved them money on their energy bills and over 90% suggested interest in participating on a permanent basis.

The “SmartView” AMI project embodied the complete cycle of consumer engagement and empowerment.[1]  It integrated the active participation of Entergy New Orleans’ staff, the New Orleans City Council, and community organizations to successfully introduce AMI technology to the city, educate the participants, produce energy savings, and provide a platform for the implementation of future AMI technologies.