Distributed generation (DG) is one important realization of the Smart Grid to improve grid reliability and add jobs to local economies. At residential, microgrid or utility-scale levels, DG increases options for powering the distribution grid in the event of centralized generation or transmission failures. Last week the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) clarified an...
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Halloween is the season for frights and scares. And in keeping with that theme, let’s consider what keeps our leading government officials and industry representatives for the Smart Grid awake at night. The final GridWeek panel discussion last Thursday featured Jon Wellinghoff (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission – FERC), George Arnold (National Institute of Standards...
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Last week I wrote about how the Smart Grid will introduce changes at every point in the electricity value chain – from generation to consumption. The TV show, Star Trek Next Generation, characterized unwelcome change as a nemesis in the form of the Borg. Fans of the show will recall the Borg declaration about...
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I attended a couple of Smart Grid events last week that emphasized two themes – that the Smart Grid is a convergence of ideas, technologies, and operations; and that this convergence will challenge human nature – specifically our resistance to change. The basic definition of the Smart Grid – the bi-directional flow of communications...
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There’s a lot of fear, uncertainty, and doubt – the FUD factor – around Smart Grid technologies and what’s in store in our energy future. Everyone is concerned about rising electricity costs. Everyone should recognize that global warming is a real threat to our national security. The Smart Grid can address these concerns, but...
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“You can always count on Americans to do the right thing – after they’ve tried everything else.” Winston Churchill made this statement in the context of a World War and a Cold War. Today, the context is a new “arms race” – to be the global leader in energy security technologies encompassing clean energy...
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It seems like most of the discussion about changes that Smart Grid technologies will introduce focus on changes to utilities and to consumers. Let’s not forget cities and towns. It’s becoming very apparent that many technologies that improve the electrical grid can also improve other networks – whether these are water, gas, or even...
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Is the rupture of a 30 inch gas pipeline and subsequent death and destruction in San Bruno, California a harbinger of ongoing infrastructure failures in the coming years? The 54 year old San Bruno gas pipeline rupture resulted in 7 confirmed deaths as of this posting, numerous injuries, and loss of 37 homes. Will...
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The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) recently published the latest draft of the Guidelines for Smart Grid Cyber Security, a collaborative public/private effort to assist individuals and organizations who will be addressing cyber security for Smart Grid systems. The second volume focuses on Privacy and the Smart Grid with an emphasis on...
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Investor Owned Utilities (IOUs) have a monopoly status in the USA that is regulated by state utility commissions. Depending on the state, IOUs are responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity; and interacting with ratepayers for customer services, outage reports, and billing questions. In a few states, this vertical integration does not exist because...
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