WSRL Smart Grid Page

PURPA Related Page - You are here - Smart Grid Page 2 - Feb 2. 2010 - Revised July 2010

At this point, page 1 is more of a historical document. Much of what is there still applies but what really needs to happen is now detailed here. As of this writing, the U.S. Government had just released the first of a series of publications addressing numerous standards related to "Smart Grid" construction and operation. This first document starts the process of defining just what the term "smart grid" really means. Energy organizations, have repeatedly used the term, if it truly applied or not, to define their own efforts towards modernizing systems and practices.

Smart Grid Flow Diagram February 2010

So What!

For those of us who have worked many years in the electrical field, the above graphic is easily understood. For the average customer, however, this may not be the case. Just as with the telephone industry, for years and years the customer had no choice but to deal with the monopoly provider at hand. For those who see change as evil, they will be given the opportunity to continue as present. Unfortunately, I see that path becoming ever more expensive as time progresses. Would you be willing to shop at grocery stores and other shops that have a monopoly on what you buy and can therefore charge what they want? So is the change in the utility industry.

Smart Meter Cost Compare?

Now What! -

First off, I don't think Armory Lovens has the answer. To the best of my knowledge, he has never run a power company or dealt with the complexities of generating sufficient power for a modern society. Your standard of living and economic well being is largely dependent on the cost and availability of electrical power. As can be seen from the above graphic, data networks now also play a huge role in making electrical grids function properly and efficiently. Without either, society quickly degenerates to something resembling life in Haiti. All of the above must now happen is a manner that is environmentally appropriate and sustainable. None of the above promises to be trivial or easy in any way.