As utility companies begin installing smart meters throughout the nation, GE, with its headquarters in Fairfield, introduced its Nucleus home energy management device on Tuesday to help consumers make real-time decisions about their power use.
By using smart meters, utility companies can charge customers two different prices for their energy use, depending on their consumption during high and low demand hours. Connecticut Light & Power finished a pilot program of the technology and expects to begin home installations in 2010.
GE’s Nucleus allows consumers to monitor their home’s energy use in real time so they may turn down or off appliances during peak demand hours, which will be more expensive.
The Nucleus is the first of product in GE’s Brillion suite of products that includes a programmable thermostat, in-home display, a smart phone application and smart appliances for the entire home.
The product will cost $149-$199 and be available in early 2011.
