Power distribution companies in Massachusetts have proposed smart-grid pilot programs covering nearly 20,000 customers. The price: about $80 million. State regulators must approve or reject the plans by August.
NATIONAL GRID Cost: $57 million
Pilot area: Worcester
Customers: 15,000
NSTAR Cost: $15 million
Pilot areas: the Back Bay neighborhood in Boston, plus Hopkinton and Newton
Customers: 3,000
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS ELECTRIC CO. Cost: $7 million
Pilot area: Springfield
Customers: 1,750
UNITIL Cost: $300,000
Pilot areas: Fitchburg and parts of New Hampshire
Customers: 96 in Massachusetts
SOURCE: Department of Public Utilities
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