Hi Ray,
What you describe is technically possible and quite sophisticated – a real vision of the future!
Manufacturers are developing ‘smart’ appliances where usage can be controlled remotely, dependent on grid demand. I actually have a refrigerator that has an internet interface and can be controlled remotely as part of a trial.
Theoretically, controlling the energy usage of appliances can be used to balance energy demand, making energy production more efficient for everyone. This is part of the smart grid vision and smart meters will help enable smart grids where the supply and demand sides of energy work together in a ‘smarter’ way.
There are currently various smart grid trials and pilots happening in the UK (and around the world) though I think it will be some time until smart grid enabled products are available to everyone.
