UPDATED: Whirlpool Follows in GE's Footsteps
Submitted by advisor on Mon, 05/11/2009 - 9:55pm.
Whirlpool promises to jump in with both feet by converting all of its electronically controlled appliances to be Smart Grid compatible by 2015. This follows closely behind (GE's announcement in the Fall of 2009) that it had begun testing its own line of Smart appliances.
Smart appliances receive communication from the electric utility to allow the remote control of the appliance by the utility while rewarding the appliance owner with reduced electric rates.
The actual value of Smart Appliances is to smooth out energy demand; delaying power usage during peak times and shifting that demand to off-peak hours.
For example, dryers, dishwashers, and refrigerator defrost cycles which are delayed during a summer heat wave by utility request to the wee-hours.
(when put that way, one wonders if Liberterians will be fans)
See Whirpool Story in Reuters
GE's announcement in the Fall of 2009
See Boston Globe story September 30, 2007: "Power-shifting' can save hundreds on energy bills"
UPDATED May 21: New GE Press Release concerning GE's smart appliance field test
Smart ... well, Smart !!!
"Smart Grid" and "Smart Appliances" are a natural progression of the "green" experience, however without total political, fiscal, and private sector dedication to it, it will become nothing more than "feel good" press clippings !!! Obama, even if he is re-elected, will need to lay a firmly entrenched foundation that even his ardent opponent will have no other choice but to continue !!!
I do remember a time when timers were able to be installed on electric panels so as customers could take advantage of lower over-night rates ... this has to be so much more, but nonetheless I am all for it !!!
Does it provide the Appliance Industry with another selling point to make for certain products ??? Only if Obama is successful and only if our society is so much more aware of the need to be circumspect when it comes to energy and natural resource conservation ...
I will, however, note one caveat ... the Industry must insist on a comprehensive educational program, or anything the manufacturers produce will suffer the plight of "point-of-use" water heaters, which are a fabulous idea, but has not caught on because no one thought to educate the public, nor the trades ... so just about everyone still has the most inefficient way of heating domestic water ... the "tower" water heater !!!
Serious Reply
The biggest challenge we have these days is the coming power/global warming crisis. What has made this country a good one has been the opposing opinions on issues where we have been fortunate to get things right. This issue is a longer term issue and outstrips the 4 year cycles. That is inhibiting progress where needed. Too many self interests , too many scoffing opinions about environmentalists saying the sky is falling. Well , it is and Obama needs to set in motion with the right thought process something the oil mudders can't squash when Jeb runs for President.We cannot bury our heads in the sand. What I fear about products is when the rubber hits the road in the boardroom and decisions only will be made for the full sake of profit and not the long term care of the country. The appliance industry is an easy one to fix if we all come together to fix it.I am going to start an all green appliance organization I think that will put power savings first.What do you think ? I believe I have the investors who believe in that premise.
Interesting & Pertinent News Today !!!
I don't know if you saw this today, Stallion, but the Obama people are talking about "Cap & Trade" regarding energy of just about all kind ... now, while I think this is not a great idea because I am anti-tax, it sure plays perfectly into marketing of the products you are talking about ... you know what they say, "... timing is everything ..." !!!
Here's a link to Larry Kudlow's report tonight on CNBC ... lots of food for thought !!!
http://www.cnbc.com/id/15840232?video=1121610943&play=1
Hmmmmmm.....
Very interesting to say the least. Thank you.Timing...Yes ...I think of that often.
Glad ...
... to be of service !!!
I'm an information junkie ... when the alarm clock goes off, I shut it off, reach for the TV tuner and it's already set to CNBC ... and is on all day/night long ... it's amazing what you can pick up with that "3rd ear" !!!
My friends call me a "wealth of useless knowledge" but every once and a while it comes in handy and even useful !!!
Yup !!!
Even though a recession is not the text book time to start any business endeavour, the time certainly is right to get in on the ground floor of the green movement !!!
At first, you will probably find that it will appeal to the more educated consumers but as it all catches hold the movement will certainly embrace your mission ...
Good Luck !!!
Yup ----Yup
I have had discussions with several people and there are ways to enter the specific market we will try to convert first. I have to work on that to make this work smoothly.It will be with the power hog products first.
Good Luck !!
Stallion ... good luck with your new venture. I think it is a truly worthy project but one that will definitely be difficult to execute profitably, given the current state of consumer education. From reading your recent comments, I was afraid you were about to don a pair of fatiques and start a revolution, or at the very least run for office (not sure which would be worse). But, I'm glad to see you're willing to apply your considerable talents back in the appliance business. (The appliance industry is a bit like the mafia ... once you get in you can never get out).
Cohiba ..Welllllll
Thanks , although some of those options sound appealing.Never would consider a startup. You know what that means.Need to make an impact to the (educated ?) crowd on power consumption.We may have fatigues as the company clothing option. How does Greenwater sound ? Keep you posted privately.
Consumer Education
You are so right. Consumer education is the challenge in the efficient use of appliances; a challenge made all the more hmmmm challenging when our own industry, beloved though it may be, has been so successful keeping the consumer barefoot, pregnant and stupid. Think any appliance with an NSF certification. Please!