GE's Profile appliances and Nucleus energy managers with Brillion technology will be received by dozens of consumers on Martha’s Vineyard. The consumers will be therefore able to help Vineyard Energy Project or VEP by managing their energy use and costs more efficiently.

The role of smart grid technologies in operating a more independent power grid can be therefore understood by the Vineyard Power Co-Op. An announcement in this regard has been made by GE.

The use of clean and sustainable energy is promoted by the nonprofit organization, VEP. The U.S. Department of Energy has given VEP nearly $800,000 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or ARRA stimulus dollars. VEP has received this aid to implement smart grid technologies which includes smart appliances.

Approximately 120 GE Profile appliances enabled with Brillion technology will be placed in 35 households as part of this two-year pilot. These households will also receive GE's Nucleus energy manager. A control switch on a suitable appliance like a legacy hot water heater will be potentially received by fifteen homes in the form of Nucleus.

These technologies can receive and respond to price and "demand response" signals from power companies to help utilities manage growing peak demand. Power consumption during certain hours of the day can be lowered or delayed through these technologies.

Utilities can avoid building more power plants with the help of the demand response programs. Apart from empowering the consumers, these programs also provide incentives to lower demand during "peak" hours. The island's need to purchase back-up power to meet demand during energy spike is therefore reduced as energy use is reduced during peak hours.

In a press release, Ted Bayne, Vineyard Energy Project, said, "Demand response programs and technologies have proven effective in helping utilities maximize the resources they currently have. As we look to create a more self-sustained and energy-independent island, GE's Profile appliances enabled with Brillion technology and Nucleus energy manager could play a critical role in helping us achieve a more sustainable electric grid."

Bayne added that the organization anticipates that these technologies will also help VEP to better manage the use of renewable energy like wind and solar power.