The Demand Response and Smart Grid Coalition (DRSG) welcomes the introduction of new legislation in the U.S. Senate that would empower electricity consumers to better manage their energy use and reduce their energy bills.
Sponsored by Senator Mark Udall (D-CO) and co-sponsored by Scott Brown (R-MA), the Electric Consumer Right to Know Act (S 1029) -- or "e-KNOW" -- would establish the right for electric consumers to more easily access their electric usage information -- including in real time -- and to benefit directly from the new information generated by the smart grid.
The e-Know bill also would give consumers the right to authorize access to their usage data by companies that facilitate home energy efficiency. Furthermore, it would allow consumers to access information directly from home energy management systems and other energy-management products that are independent of the utility's electric meter. Finally, the legislation would ensure that the right to consumer-data access is technology neutral, allowing consumers to choose how they get and use their consumption information.
The Demand Response and Smart Grid Coalition (DRSG) is the trade association for companies that provide products and services in the areas of demand response and smart grid. DRSG works to educate and provide information to policymakers, utilities, the media, the financial community and stakeholders on how demand response and smart grid technologies can help modernize our electricity system and provide customers with new information and options for managing their electricity use.
