Smart Grid News

Smart Grid

The smart grid is a digital network that unites electrical providers, power-delivery systems and customers, and allows two-way communication between the utility and its customers. Smart grids have the potential to improve the efficiency of energy distribution and usage, both through the grid's design and through consumer participation. Though smart grids aren’t in widespread use yet in the United States, some U.S. utilities have begun smart grid pilot projects or have deployed smart meters in residential areas.

It is estimated that smart grid enhancements will ease congestion and increase utilization (of full capacity), sending 50% to 300% more electricity through existing energy corridors. Given population growth and the exponential increase in the number of power-hungry digital components in our digital economy, additional infrastructure must be built – Smart or not.

Source: The Smart Grid: An Introduction (via Energy.gov)

Text by Noel Kirkpatrick

(Photo: meneldur/Flickr)

Articles about Smart Grid

Save money with a smart meter

Thu, Aug 26 2010 at 8:10 PM

Monitoring your daily energy use is just one way you can save money with a smart meter.
Sunfish plug 'n' play solar for less than $4,000

Mon, Aug 16 2010 at 7:26 PM

Cheap solar panels, micro-inverters, and plug-in technology make DIY solar a reality for the first time.
Could solar-powered glass roads replace asphalt?

Tue, Aug 03 2010 at 12:09 AM

With a grant from the federal government, a prototype for solar roadways of the future is nearing completion.
GE Nucleus will raise your home's IQ

Mon, Jul 19 2010 at 2:06 AM

The 'nucleus' of GE's Brillion smart grid technology allows your home to talk to you via web and mobile applications.
GE announces $200M smart grid challenge

Thu, Jul 15 2010 at 7:33 PM

GE Ecomagination contest hopes to solicit the smartest solutions for a much-needed quantum leap in electrical grid technology.
Track your local smart grid projects

Thu, Jul 08 2010 at 12:50 PM

The Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse just launched a new website to help consumers learn more about the smart grid and track projects in their area.
Google makes dream of smart grid wireless network possible

Fri, Jun 25 2010 at 7:40 PM

The vision of an energy-efficient super grid that allows powers companies to communicate real-time may be possible through Google-Spectrum Bridge partnership.
GE and Google team up to provide energy

Thu, Jun 10 2010 at 11:28 AM

Two giant corporations will give the U.S. a boost in the energy sector and create jobs for a clean, green future.
Smart grid data collection sparks privacy concerns

Sun, May 23 2010 at 12:02 PM

Smart grids may manage power efficiently, but they also gather private data concerning each household's energy use -- data that should be protected.
Smart grid jobs coming to Atlanta

Mon, Apr 26 2010 at 8:00 AM

GE Energy's new smart grid division will be headquartered in the metro Atlanta area, bringing several hundred new jobs to the region.

MNN - Mother Nature Network

Smart Grid

Articles about Smart Grid

Save money with a smart meter

Sunfish plug 'n' play solar for less than $4,000

Could solar-powered glass roads replace asphalt?

GE Nucleus will raise your home's IQ

GE announces $200M smart grid challenge

Track your local smart grid projects

Google makes dream of smart grid wireless network possible

GE and Google team up to provide energy

Smart grid data collection sparks privacy concerns

Smart grid jobs coming to Atlanta

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