Advanced energy management for home use

A novel system for controlling the electrical energy utilization in homes or small businesses is described. The developments include a telephone to power line carrier interface unit, a new electric meter that measures energy with variable pricing, and an energy controller that modifies use depending on price. The system provides for the marketing of electrical energy based on a supply/demand relationship using a real-time variable pricing scheme. A unique interface allows the customer to adjust energy utilization for heating or cooling, depending on comfort needs and the current price. Other electrical appliances such as electric water heaters can also be controlled automatically and optimally to achieve the lowest energy cost. A personal computer interface allows access to more detailed information and provides a means to personalize the system to a greater degree. The philosophy of this approach has been demonstrated, during field trials, to achieve the desired result of shifting some of the load from the peak to the valley. At the same time the users learned to use the system to lower their electric bills