National Grid files to extend Smart Grid pilot program

The cost for National Grid's Sustainability Hub at 912 Main St. in Worcester – the physical presence for its Smart Energy Solutions pilot program – skyrocketed from its $50,000 budget to nearly $800,000.

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By Sam Bonacci

As the state continues to examine a grid modernization proposal, National Grid has filed to extend its Smart Energy Solutions (SES) pilot program in Worcester for an additional two years.

The company filed a request Tuesday with the Department of Public Utilities to continue the program for two additional years. By extending the program that was set to expire in 2017, the energy company can both continue to learn from the pilot program and also allow the 15,000 Worcester residents taking part in the program to continue to make use of the additional technology and services the program provides, according to National Grid spokesperson Danielle Williamson.

According to National Grid, the pilot program has been well-received and has saved those customers $1.25 million.

However, the program has received scrutiny from cost overruns that have taken the cost of the program to run past its initial $45.5 million budget up to $55 million and counting.

If approved, Smart Energy Solutions will be extended from its current end date of Dec. 31, 2016 to the end of 2018. According to Williamson, Smart Energy Solutions at present accounts for less than 1 percent of the bill for an average customer using 600 KwH a month, equating to approximately 77 cents per month. National Grid is proposing a similar cost structure for the pilot extension.