A first-of-its-kind demonstration of "smart dust" sensors to actively manage energy use.

Experts from the University of California, Berkeley's new Center for Information Technology Research in the Interest of Society (CITRIS) will show how 21st century energy-management technology now being developed at UC Berkeley can be used in buildings across California to greatly reduce energy use. Emerging smart energy technology could potentially save the state as much as $7 to $8 billion a year in electricity costs, say UC Berkeley engineers. The technology can keep consumers' utility bills in check as well as help reduce the demand for new power plants and avoid their environmental consequences.

WHEN:
10 a.m. Friday, May 25.

WHERE:
Room 400, Cory Hall, UC Berkeley. Portions of Cory Hall have been outfitted with dozens of solar and battery-powered "smart dust motes" to demonstrate the smart energy concept at work. Cory Hall is at the northeast corner of the campus, fronting Hearst Avenue.

WHO:
Richard Newton, dean of the College of Engineering

Kris Pister, developer of "smart dust" and associate professor of electrical engineering and computer sciences

Edward Arens, professor of architecture and director of UC Berkeley's Center for the Built Environment

Shmuel Oren, professor in the Department of Industrial Engineering and Operations Research and UC Berkeley director of the Engineering Power System Research Center

VISUALS:
1. Small "smart-dust motes." (You can hold several in your hand.)
2. Computer graphics showing real-time energy use in Cory Hall.
3. Simulation of a Stage III power alert showing how sensors could turn off enough lights and major appliances to reduce the energy load to acceptable levels, thus avoiding a rolling blackout.
4. Large roof-top coolers and air conditioning systems on Cory Hall, which will be part of the demonstration project. (From the rooftop, there are great views of San Francisco Bay and the Golden Gate Bridge.)

PARKING: A limited number of parking spaces has been set aside in the Lower Hearst Parking Structure, corner of Hearst and Scenic Avenues. Please call Ally at (510) 642-3734 to reserve a spot.