“Smart Meter” pilot would be aimed at residential, small commercial customers
Jackson, Miss. – A $3 million pilot
project aimed at testing new technology to improve customer service and lower
customer bills may soon get underway. That’s if the U.S. Department of Energy
approves an application filed today by Entergy Mississippi, Inc.
If approved, the federal stimulus
grant would place automated meters in 5,000 residences and small commercial
businesses, including some government buildings.
“Entergy Mississippi is working hard
to get these federal stimulus dollars, and is excited about the prospect of this
pilot project,” said John Mullins, vice president of customer operations for
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. “This new technology is designed to let customers view
their energy consumption in real time. That’s valuable information they could
use to reduce their electric bill.”
If the pilot project meets company
and customer expectations, it could be expanded.
“We’re committed to meeting our
obligation to serve by providing the most reliable, affordable power possible,”
Mullins said. “We’re continually working to find solutions that benefit
customers and provide long-term stability in our rates.
“Energy efficiency measures are an
important component in meeting customer challenges and in providing for our
customers’ future energy needs.”
Gray Swoope, executive director of
the Mississippi Development Authority, stated that, “We are pleased that Entergy
Mississippi has applied for a competitive stimulus grant to pilot technology
advances for their customers that encourage energy efficiency.”
Entergy Mississippi, Inc. provides
electricity to more than 433,000 customers in 45 counties. It is a subsidiary of
Entergy Corporation. Entergy Corporation is an integrated energy company engaged
primarily in electric power production and retail distribution operations.
Entergy owns and operates power plants with approximately 30,000 megawatts of
electric generating capacity, and it is the second-largest nuclear generator in
the United States. Entergy delivers electricity to 2.7 million utility customers
in Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas.
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