Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE) Integration via Opower

S.C.O.R.E. → Resilience → Energy

Overview

The BGE integration powered by Opower helps homeowners monitor and manage their energy usage effectively. By providing real-time data and insights, it promotes energy efficiency and cost savings.

Benefits

• Reduced energy bills through optimized usage patterns
• Improved understanding of energy consumption trends
• Enhanced ability to respond to energy usage alerts and recommendations

Intent

This capability aims to empower homeowners with actionable insights regarding their energy consumption. By leveraging data analytics, it encourages more sustainable and cost-effective energy practices.

Preconditions

• Active BGE account linked with Opower.
• Home Assistant configured to receive BGE data.
• Compatible energy monitoring device installed.
• Home Assistant installed and configured.
• Integration available and authenticated: Zigbee2MQTT.
• Device installed and reachable: Energy Monitoring.

Actors

• Homeowner monitoring energy usage
• Family members adjusting usage behaviors
• Energy conscious guests aware of consumption

Trigger

The capability is triggered when energy consumption data is updated or when predefined thresholds are exceeded.

Workflow Diagram

flowchart TD
    A[Energy Data Update] -->|check| B{{Threshold Exceeded?}}
    B -->|Yes| C[Send Alert]
    C --> D[Adjust Recommendations]
    B -->|No| E[Monitor Continuously]

Workflow Description

1. Data Collection

BGE data is collected and sent to the Home Assistant for processing.

2. Threshold Check

The system evaluates the energy usage against predefined thresholds.

3. Alert Generation

If thresholds are exceeded, alerts are generated and sent to the homeowner.

4. Recommendation Adjustment

The system provides tailored recommendations to help reduce energy usage.

5. Usage Monitoring

Continuous monitoring of energy usage occurs to ensure compliance with recommendations.

Postconditions

Homeowner gains insights into energy consumption, leading to potential changes in behavior and reduced energy costs.

Optional Enhancements

• Integration with smart thermostats for automatic adjustments
• Usage forecasts based on historical data
• Gamification features to encourage family participation

Recommended Components

Source Examples

• 2026.1: Home is where the dashboard is ?? – Home Assistant (homeassistant)