Eighteen reporters attended an EEI media briefing on smart meters, smart rates, and smart homes last Thursday in New York. The mix of business, electric utility, and consumer media, including WNBC, Bloomberg News, Consumer Reports, Dow Jones, Forbes, Mother Nature Network, IEEE Power & Energy, Scientific American, and Good Housekeeping learned more about how the nation’s electric power companies are leading the transition to a smarter grid for their customers. 

Moderated by EEI President Thomas Kuhn, a panel of electric company executives described their experiences with and goals for the smart grid. Representing the industry were Mayo Shattuck, CEO of Constellation Energy; John Caroselli, EVP of National Grid; Aubrey Braz, VP of Con Edison; and Andrew Tang, Sr. Director of Pacific Gas & Electric Co.

Following the panel discussion, reporters were encouraged to tour exhibits by the electric companies to learn more about smart meters and smart gadgets for the home.

Early media placements resulting from the briefing:

• Mother Nature Network: "Smart Cars, Smart Meters: Recharging Battery Vehicles on a Consumer-Friendly Grid"
• Good Housekeeping: "Smart Meters: Coming Soon to Your Home" 
• EnergyWise: "The Smart Meter Avalanche"
• Consumer Reports: "Blogs - Home & Garden"
• bNet: "Aligning EVs and the Smart Grid: Synergy and Progress"