Dive Summary:

• The two-year test pilot will test new technologies’ ability to reduce customer outages, improve the operational efficiency of the grid, and fully integrate renewable energy and electric vehicles into the grid.
• The pilot will make detailed energy usage information available to customers via the Internet or cell phone applications.
• National Grid will also test the impact of new pricing structures, including higher costs at peak usage times.

From the article:

The Massachusetts Department of Public Utilities (DPU) has approved National Grid's smart grid pilot program. The project, pursuant to the Green Communities Act of 2008, includes approximately 15,000 customers in Worcester, or 1.2% of National Grid's electricity customers.

According to the DPU, the two-year pilot will test the ability of new technologies to reduce customer outages, save customers money by improving the operational efficiency of the grid, and fully integrate renewable energy and electric vehicles into the grid. ...