Citizens of the Keystone State, whether they realize it or not, are at the forefront of energy deregulation.  With the utility market deregulated, citizens are looking at greater choice – so much so that the state itself is encouraging homeowners to shop around.

Now comes word from Penn Energy, a site that tracks the energy industry in the state, of a new development around smart grids that can further assist those seeking greater PA energy choice.

The idea of smart grids is simple: it charges electricity based on the time of day and the demand at the time. 

In theory, it makes perfect sense.  It provides customers with greater control over their energy usage but only paying for what they need.  For example, let’s say you work during the day in the summer.  It’s 100 degrees out with high humidity, and you like the idea of coming back home to an air conditioned home.  Currently, you’d need to leave the air conditioner on all day – not a cheap option.  Smart grids can, among other things, remotely turn on the AC at, say, 4 pm, so when you get home it’ll be cool.

The great thing is that energy deregulation broke the monopolies held by large utility companies, enabling start-ups to provide customers with new and interesting products like smart grids.