A Smarter Grid

Posted on 05-08-2015

Smart grid is essentially computerizing the electric utility grid much like a virtual power plant.  Think of how a smart phone works with a computer inside the phone.  Before, utility workers would go to homes and businesses to read meters or look for broken equipment.  Now, there are more modernized options becoming available to the electric industry that will change how electric companies do business.

There are many advantages to the smart grid and the amount of applications that can be used on it.  There's enhanced cyber-security and being able to handle different sources of energy like wind and solar energy.  One of the biggest key features to the smart grid is the automated technology which allows the utility to control and adjust each individual device or many devices from one central location.

Energy.gov states, "The ongoing smart grid interoperability process promises to lead to flexible, uniform and technology-neutral standards that enable innovation, improve consumer choice and yield economies of scale."