Smart Grid Will Provide Tons of Data

Here’s a show built around an interesting concept: Data is the major component of any smart grid, but as customers create and demand new data streams through home energy hubs, is there a danger of overload? A smart meter in the home is likely to prompt consumers to take a greater interest in energy management and start introducing new devices accordingly.

There is no doubt that the premise here is correct: the mere providing people with data changes their behavior.  I’m a good example of this personally; I normally drive with the “instantaneous fuel consumption” display on, and I really like to make that figure as high as I can get it.  I hate to see it plummet when I nail the accelerator – which is why I try to refrain from that behavior.  I get 43 MPG on average, but I’m sure I could get 50 if I’d slow down even more.  

 The show’s in San Diego; I may check it out.