PRESS RELEASE
Mayor Gavin Buckley
Public Information Office
160 Duke of Gloucester Street
Annapolis, Maryland 21401
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Media Contact: Mitchelle Stephenson, 410-972-7724 or mwstephenson@annapolis.gov
Annapolis Customers Win in BGE Program Recently Recognized with National Innovation Award
ANNAPOLIS, MD (September 17, 2020) – Baltimore Gas and Electric Company (BGE) recently won a national innovation award for a program available to Annapolis residents for in-home smart technologies.
BGE recruited a diverse group of residential customers (based on age and income) and small businesses to participate in the Annapolis Connected Home and Small Business Demonstration, an 18-month BGE program to identify the impact of remote-access smart-home technologies on customers’ efforts to reduce their energy use and save money. Enrollment in the program was open to residents who live in Annapolis, have been in their homes for at least three years, and are planning to stay another 12 months. Recruitment was through an outreach campaign.
“We made a commitment at the inception of our Annapolis demonstration to put individual customers at the center of the technology discussion, empowering them to experiment with devices and functionality that fit their own unique needs,” said Sam duPont, principal for strategic programs at BGE and the company’s lead for Connected Communities programs.
“We need partners to help move our residents forward and to find the technologies and Smart City initiatives that improve the quality of life for residents from all walks of life,” said Mayor Gavin Buckley. “I’m excited about this initiative and I’m especially happy that BGE has been recognized for their innovation.”
The award, the 2020 IoT Evolution Smart City Innovation Award from IoT Evolution World, is a highly selective award recognizing companies that deliver exceptional software and hardware solutions that advance the smart home and building industry.
Each BGE customer participates in one of four customer “Journeys.” Devices are free to those enrolled, and participants choose from a menu that includes a smart thermostat, Amazon Echo Dot, smart plugs, motion detectors, and smart lighting, among other tech. BGE provides participants with educational materials to guide them through the device installation and implementation process. Participants needed internet access and a BGE smart meter to be eligible. Participants were also selected for their enthusiasm about technology.
BGE representatives hope the connected technology program will help them to learn which smart technologies lead to energy efficiencies and financial savings. BGE continues to accept enrollees in the program. They are especially looking for small businesses to participate. For more information, visit www.connectedannapolis.com.
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