Comverge And Tampa Electric Launch 'Energy Planner' Price Responsive Pilot

Tampa, FL — Tampa Electric and Comverge, Inc. announced that they have partnered to launch a price responsive load control pilot utilizing Comverge's Maingate™ Home system. Called The Energy PlannerSM system, the pilot will seek to examine the impacts of critical peak pricing on reducing Tampa Electric's winter and summer peaks.

Beginning with the July billing cycle, the Energy Planner^SM system will allow participating Tampa Electric customers to choose lower-priced electricity at certain times by using a programmable thermostat. The program will also help Tampa Electric better meet peak energy demands.

Comverge is providing installation and personnel training services along with all hardware and software for the pilot and will continue to provide hosting services and program support through the life of the pilot. "Programs with this kind of potential to reduce demand on our generating system happen rarely and we are eagerly waiting to see actual field data," said Tim Richardson, Rate Analyst of Tampa Electric's Regulatory Affairs.

"We are excited to partner with Tampa Electric on this project. The potential energy savings from implementing such a program on a broad scale are promising and we look forward to seeing this pilot through to a successful and energy-conscious future," said Robert M. Chiste, President and CEO of Comverge, Inc. "Shifting electric loads off the peak periods makes good economic sense for ratepayers and all utilities whether municipally, investor, or co-operative owned. We are seeing many utilities re-visit load management programs in light of today's volatile energy markets and reduced communications costs."

SOURCE: Comverge, Inc.