October 18, 2006 8:57 a.m. EST
Jacob Cherian - All Headline News Staff Writer
New York, NY (AHN) - New York City is considering going broadband over power lines.
The City Council's technology committee plans to have a hearing on the debate, Thursday. The hearing will address "smart metering," enabling real time information about energy consumption - measured in rates per watt. Along with that functionality, the City plans to introduce the concept of broadband over power lines for "niche populations."
Consumers would be able to save money since smart meters reveal data regarding how much power is being used and the rate charged per kilowatt - rates vary through out the day, allowing consumers to measure their use, saving money and energy.
Jeffrey Baker, New York City Council Technology Committee attorney told TechWeb.com during an interview Tuesday: "For example, customers can make a choice about when to use major electrical appliances, and operate their dishwashers in the middle of the night instead of when they are at peak power."
The lawyer said it would be feasible to "tie smart meter technology with broadband over power lines" in order to explore the issues at the same time.
Baker added, "They're two separate subjects, but if we ask them to put in smart meters, there's no reason why they can't allow third party providers to allow access to the Internet over power lines."
Some New York City proponents see the measure as a chance to introduce broadband access to New Yorkers who would not be able to afford cable or DSL installation. However, one of the limitations to the technology is that it is in its nascent stages in comparison to other types of broadband delivery.
Baker says, "The advantage to doing broadband over power lines is that everybody has electricity...People can get on the Internet immediately without installation. The infrastructure is there."
Read:
Big Apple Eyes Broadband Over Power Lines
Posts
NY City Council, Resolution 425
ReplyDeleteTuesday, October 17, 2006
Joint Meeting. Committee(s) on:
Technology in Government;
Consumer Affairs
Time: 10:00 AM
Location: Council Chambers - City Hall
Chairperson(s): Gale A. Brewer, Leroy G. Comrie, Jr.
Details:
Oversight - Access to Smart Meters and Broadband Internet Services Through Existing Power Lines
Res 425 - By Council Members Brewer, Comrie, Gonzalez, James, Koppell, Palma , Seabrook and Mark-Viverito -
Resolution calling upon the Public Service Commission to allow individual apartments to access real-time energy pricing through the use of smart meters.
http://www.nyccouncil.info/rightnow/calendarpage.cfm?AGENDA=YES&DATE=10/04/2006&TIME=10:00%20AM&BDKEY=5071