Part of the Smart grid glossary:

Smart grid is a generic label for the application of computer intelligence and networking abilities to a dumb electricity distribution system. Smart grid initiatives seek to improve operations, maintenance and planning by making sure that each component of the electric grid can both 'talk' and 'listen'. Another major component of smart grid technology is automation.

Next Steps

In many places, a power company will only know that service is out if a customer calls. In a smart grid scenario, if service is interrupted the company will know right away because certain components of the grid (smart meters in the affected area, for instance) stop sending data. By ensuring that all the components of the grid -- from transformers to power lines to home electric meters -- have IP addresses and are capable of two-way communication, the company can manage distribution more efficiently, be proactive about maintenance and respond to outages faster.

The United Stated Department of Energy proposes that four types of technology will drive the advancement of smart grids: 

  • Integrated, automated communication between components of the electric grid. 
  • Sensing and measurement technologies. 
  • Automated controls for distribution and repairs. 
  • Improved management dashboards and decision support software.

Learn more:

WhatIs.com has an overview of what the buzzword "smart grid" is all about and a glossary of smart grid terminology and acronyms.

SearchEnterpriseWAN.com has a tutorial that provides an introduction to smart grid technology. 

The Smart Grid: An Introduction is a publication sponsored by United States Department of Energy's Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability.

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is working to define a framework of standards for smart grid technology.

The economic stimulus package signed by President Obama in February contains $11 billion for smart grid technology.

This was last updated in June 2010
Posted by: Margaret Rouse

Related Terms

Definitions

  • ancillary services

    - In smart grid technology, an ancillary service is anything that supports the transmission of electricity from its generation site to the customer. (WhatIs.com)

  • smart meter hack

    - A smart meter hack is the unauthorized access of such a device or its data transmissions for the purpose of obtaining or altering communications between it and the responsible utility. (WhatIs.com)

  • advanced metering infrastructure (AMI)

    - Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) is an architecture for automated, two-way communication between a smart utility meter with an IPaddress and a utility company. (WhatIs.com)

Glossaries

  • Smart grid

    - Terms related to smart grids, including definitions about utility electricity delivery systems and words and phrases about smart meters and distributing, monitoring and billing electrical power.

  • Internet applications

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