Monday, April 20, 2009

Groundbreaking Energy Smart Miami Announcement

Jorge Perez/ City of Miami

Today the City of Miami partnered with FPL, GE, Cisco Systems and Silver Spring Networks to launch Energy Smart Miami, a groundbreaking initiative that will help reduce our shared carbon footprint.

This model electricity system, which we are bringing to residents and business owners in Miami and across Dade County, will help us all save money by giving us the tools to identify how we use our electricity.
First, Energy Smart Miami will help us all save money by giving us the tools to identify how we use our electricity. Wireless "Smart Meters" in more than 1 million homes and businesses will notify owners which appliances are consuming the most electricity and when so that we can most effectively reduce our energy consumption.
More like the Internet than an electric network, the new grid will connect these smart meters to high-efficiency transformers and other equipment through a centralized system. This will allow FPL to continuously monitor, identify and react to outages, and provide information to improve reliability, efficiency and affordability. And while we consume less energy, we will also begin to use better energy.
Next, Energy Smart Miami will bring new solar technology to local universities and schools to help meet their energy needs with renewable, non-polluting technologies. Local universities will also be the trial sites for new charging stations to power FPL's growing fleet of plug-in electric hybrids. Finally, we will test new consumer communications and empowerment systems in approximately 1,000 households that will include in-home energy displays, or “eco-panels”, to help manage electrical loads and lower power use during peak periods. Emerging technology in home appliances allows smart meters in your home to reschedule high-energy functions or switch to a lower-consumption mode during peak demand periods. At the same time, your smart meter will be programmable to maximize your thermostat, lighting and other devices.
The Energy Smart Miami requires financial support under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 and we are proud to say that this is a model that supports and embodies the goals of the stimulus bill. President Obama’s vision could not be clearer. The state of the economy calls for action, bold and swift, and we will act—not only to create new jobs, but to lay a foundation for new and sustainable growth. This initiative does both.
I believe strongly that environmental sustainability and economic sustainability are one and the same. The investments made through Energy Smart Miami will not only save us money, they will reduce our Greenhouse Gas emissions, help end our addiction to foreign oil and help improve the reliability of our electricity system and reduce power outages.
For the sake of our economy, our energy independence, our environment and our future, this project must move forward. I invite you to read more about this HERE and to support the City of Miami's efforts to be a truly green, sustainable city.

Click HERE to see video of announcement.

-Manny