Smart Grid

A smart grid is a modern solution to the demands of electricity distribution, and overlays the existing electricity distribution grid with digital technology to interact with the appliances plugged into the grid at the end-user level in order to increase efficiency. Smart grids and smart meters are among the common suggested remedies to modern energy problems, including energy inefficiency, overconsumption, and grid outages as the result of weather, disaster, or attack. In the United States, the 2007 Energy Independence and Security Act set aside funding for the 2008–2012 period to support smart grid development; established a [Page 362]funds-matching program for states, utilities, and consumers; and created the Grid Modernization Commission to recommend protocol standards. The act initially allocated $100 million per fiscal year in funding; ...