Smart Grid Smart Grid Chatter

Another New Year, Another Step Forward for the Smart Grid?

Posted: January 2, 2011

Another year has passed and it seems that we are still seeing the same Smart Grid headlines. The first consumer shock over smart meters has past. Cisco and other large tech firms have announced their interest and involvement in the smart grid. Many new websites dedicated to helping bring to light the great potential of [...]

Read More >


What is the Smart Grid?

The smart grid is an initiative by the government and the Department of Energy (DOE) to change the way we use electric power. In the fall of 2009 over 3 billion dollars was issued in grants from the U.S. federal government for the research, development, and deployment of smart grid technologies and equipment. Our use of electric power is drastically increasing and we need to do something about it.

If the grid were just 5% more efficient, the energy savings would equate to permanently eliminating the fuel and greenhouse gas emissions from 53 million cars.

http://www.oe.energy.gov

The use of alternative renewable generation, electrical storage, and other technologies are becoming widely accepted and more affordable. The smart grid is much more than just fancy meters; it is viewed as the solution for increased efficiency, better control, and a more reliable electric grid. The initiative is actively underway in some parts the U.S., see where. Also visit Smart Grid Q&A for frequently asked questions and answers regarding the smart grid.