Company to File with DPU for Largest Pilot in New England That Will Bring Latest Technology to More Than 15,000 Customers

National Grid today announced plans to file with the Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities its proposal to build and operate a smart grid pilot in Worcester, Mass. The pilot, which will involve approximately 15,000 customers, is believed to be the largest and most comprehensive in New England. National Grid will submit its proposal to the DPU April 1, 2009.

The two-year pilot is the first step toward creating a more efficient, environmentally responsible modern grid. Smart grid will provide customers improved energy use information, automation, and savings as well as an unprecedented amount of choice and control over how they use energy. Implementing smart grid technology also will enhance the reliability of electric system. National Grid hopes to gain valuable information from the pilot that it can use in the future to develop a smart grid on a wider scale.

A smart grid is a network for electricity transmission and distribution systems that uses two-way, state-of-the-art communications, advanced sensors, and specialized computers to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of electricity delivery and use. Smart grids also provide environmental benefits by helping to reduce energy use during peak hours and facilitating the connection and addition of distributed generation facilities and renewables to the grid.

National Grid announced its plans for the pilot at a press conference held today at Clark University in Worcester. Massachusetts Lieutenant Governor Tim Murray; state Secretary of Energy and Environmental Affairs Ian Bowles; Worcester Mayor Konstantina Lukes, National Grid Senior Vice President of Public Affairs Marcy Reed; and John Bassett, president of Clark University, were on hand to outline National Grid’s proposal and offer support for the initiative. Clark University will be a pilot participant.

“Smart grid is the way of the future, and I’m glad to see National Grid proposing this pilot project for Worcester,” said Lieutenant Governor Timothy Murray. “If the pilot moves forward as planned, consumers will get new ways to manage their energy use and find new ways to save money.”

“This proposal is one of the smart-grid pilot projects required under the Green Communities Act, and I look forward to seeing whether it can deliver the strong benefits we believe are possible,” said Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Ian Bowles. “Today, we can all manage our cell phone plans, but not our electricity use.