[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 79 (Monday, May 14, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1036]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 INTRODUCTION OF THE ``ENERGY CONSERVATION THROUGH `SMART METERS' ACT''

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                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 14, 2007

  Mr. NUNES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to announce the introduction 
of the Energy Conservation through ``Smart Meters'' Act. No one can 
deny the fact that we are in the midst of an energy crisis where supply 
has outstripped demand. There are many avenues we can pursue to resolve 
this situation, one of which I have I introduced today.
  I believe the future of our Nation's electricity grid needs to be 
smarter and more efficient. While it is a vast issue that needs to be 
tackled in a multi-level and multi-year plan, we can take a step now to 
put consumers in control of their personal electricity usage. We can do 
this by incentivising, through the tax code, the deployment of energy 
management devices--known as ``Smart Meters.'' A ``Smart Meter'' is an 
automated electronic electricity metering device that will replace the 
existing meters on homes and businesses.
  The first electricity meter was invented in the 1930s at the dawn of 
electrification in the United States. The meter is based on small 
wheels turning inside the unit to count kilowatt hours used at a flat 
price. If you look at your meter today, you will see fundamentally the 
same device using technology that is more than 70 years old. These 
meters were invented prior to the development of computers and have no 
intelligence, memory, or ability to communicate. Certainly if we can 
place a call on a cell phone that is as thin as a pack of gum, then we 
can invest in advanced metering technology for home energy use.
  Because of the advanced age of our metering technology, neither the 
consumer nor the utility has the kind of real-time information they 
need to make necessary decisions to best use the available electricity. 
``Smart Meters'' change this by harnessing the power of computers and 
digital communications to create intelligent and connected energy 
systems. The revolution in technology behind today's ``Smart Meters'' 
is equivalent to the change from typewriters to a personal computer 
connected to the Internet. These systems empower consumers to use 
electricity wisely and help utilities forecast and manage energy loads 
more efficiently and accurately--quickly reducing electricity outages.
  The use of new technology will allow customers who reduce consumption 
when prices are high to save more on their bills. In fact, according to 
GAO and FERC studies, the widespread adoption of smart metering 
technologies would save American consumers billions of dollars in 
avoided electricity costs. While consumers get a better deal on their 
power, society as a whole will benefit. Consumption will be reduced 
during peak hours which will reduce greenhouse gases because power 
companies will no longer have to rely on inefficient and dirty peaking 
generators to meet the high demand.
  Madam Speaker, now is the time to deploy 21st century technology to 
conserve energy and put consumers in control of their electricity 
bills.

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