CenterPoint Energy Houston Electric LLC, an electric transmission and distribution subsidiary of CenterPoint Energy, recently released the survey results of a 500-participant smart meter pilot program that took place in the Houston area starting last fall.

According to the survey, 71 percent of those surveyed reported changing their energy usage behavior as a result of the real-time energy use data that the smart meter In-Home Display provided them.

Other results of the survey include:

  • 83 percent of respondents reported turning off lights at night or when not in the room
  • 51 percent of respondents reported adjusting the temperature on their thermostat
  • 93 percent of respondents reported they are satisfied with their in-home display, and
  • 97 percent of respondents reported that they will continue using it
  • Glad to see consumers are taking to the Smart Grid technology. I think we ought to have similar real-time data devices to track water usage, too. It’s the access to real-time usage information that seems to spur the behavioral change.

    For an overview of the integrated system that CenterPoint used in the pilot program check out CenterPoint Energy’s EnergyInSight page.

    Credit: Department of Energy