As consumers become increasingly concerned about their energy use and the cost of their energy bills, energy management systems and smart electronics are growing at a rapid pace. The latest to addition to the "smart" revolution? Home appliances.

GE announced last week that it will introduce energy-management enabled appliances next year. Appliances being worked on are refrigerators, ranges, washers and dryers, dishwashers and microwave ovens, some of which will be tested in a pilot program with Louisville Gas and Electric Company.

The smart appliances will be connected to a network and can be turned off and on, or have their settings changed remotely by the local utility. During peak energy-use hours, the utilities can make small setting changes to avoid overtaxing the grid. Consumers will benefit from this technology too with smaller electricity bills since many power companies are now charging more during peak hours.

The one obstacle to the success of these appliances is that local utilities will need to install smart meters connecting homes to the utility. GE makes smart meters and already has a deal with PG&E to supply them 3.3 million meters.

It will probably take a while before this technology spreads across the country, but it could have a significant impact if it takes hold.

via Earth2Tech

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