GE Developing Grid-Smart Appliances

A number of utilities across the country are moving to peak power pricing that gives lower rates to consumers using electricity during off-peak hours. General Electric (GE) is developing appliances that can automatically take advantage of those policies.

These appliances, set for launch in early 2009, will be able to receive signals from the utility telling them when rates are favorable for turning themselves on or performing energy-intensive functions, like automatic defrosting on a refrigerator. GE is putting this technology into refrigerators, ranges, clothes washers and dryers, dishwashers, and microwave ovens. Customers will be able to override the automatic functioning. More information is available at www.ge.com.