Smart Grid

What is the Smart Grid?

The term Smart Grid generally refers to the next generation of electrical transmission that combines the existing utility grids with new digital technology to substantially improve the overall efficiency of the network. Advanced network monitoring, distributed generation, remote load management and “smart” appliances will improve performance and reliability, lower costs and reduce generation requirements. Consumers will also have access to more usage and rate information, allowing them to proactively manage their consumption.

The Smart Grid will facilitate the use of renewable energy sources

Distributed energy resources - fuel cells, solar panels, micro turbines and other types of renewable generation are emerging options for homes, offices and factories, but the current electrical grid does not easily accommodate them. Increased use of distributed generation will lead to lower electricity costs and reduced greenhouse gas emissions. Emerging smart grid technologies, such as those offered by MicroPlanet, will enable distributed generation sources to easily interact with the current grid structure, maximizing capacity and reducing costs.

The Smart Grid would be "self healing" and more secure

Improving technology in system monitoring, communications, and transmission controls would enable the grid to be "self healing" by anticipating and instantly responding to system loads and problems in order to avoid or mitigate power outages and system damage.

Smart Grid Links

Looking to Efficiency to Build Energy Independence   

The Smart Energy Network: Electricity's Third Great Revolution  

Powering Up the Smart Grid: A Northwest Initiative for Job Creation, Energy Security and Clean, Affordable Electricity

The Bottom Line: The Wall Street Journal Report: Energy

Grid 2030: A National Vision for Electricity's Second 100 Years

A Smart Plan for Electric Utilities