Smart Grid Q & A's: Smart Grid Technology Articles: Eco20/20

Smart Grid Q & A's

With a growing concern over our aging electrical power grid, as well as an increase in need to do something to combat global climate change, Smart Grid technologies are now becoming a more commonly referenced concept in public dialogue. However, the general public's understanding of Smart Grid technologies is lacking due to an inability to explain the system in concrete terms. With this article, we hope to provide some clarity as to the specifics of the Smart Grid system in a way that is easy to understand. Read on for answers to some of the most common questions pertaining to the Smart Grid.

Q. What does "Smart Grid" mean?

The Smart Grid system is essentially an integration of different technologies to increase the efficiency of our electrical grid by using digital communications that also allow for the ability to manage and analyze electrical usage. This will combine digital management technologies that will alert power companies of a potential overload before it leads to a costly blackout. These technologies will also provide power companies with the ability to restrain power-hungry appliance usage during peak hours which will reduce the strain and burden on the system.

It is "smart" in that it gives us the ability to manage and detect issues before they become real problems. It also allows for further integration of all sources of power generation - whether from a massive coal plant to a micro wind farm, due to the digital integration of the system that will allow us to reroute energy from the places that produce it to the places that need it most, by the most efficient means possible.

Q. Will the switch take place immediately?

No. Smart Grid technologies are still in their infancy, but they are coming of age at a rapid pace. These technologies will be integrated into the existing grid over time, meaning that there will be no massive shock to the public.

Q. How will this impact my ability to use electricity in my home?

It will make it more costly to use power-hungry appliances during peak hours. This might seem inconvenient, but the cost difference between power at peak times and at off peak times will be an excellent incentive to change your routines.

Q. How does communication increase the efficiency of electrical use?

It allows energy producers to be in communication with energy users and thus have access to vital information about the supply and demand of the system. The two-way communication means that the power station will even be able to "talk" to appliances and manage their usage during peak times. It also makes rerouting electricity to the places that need it most far more efficient.

Q. How can renewable energy be integrated into the Smart Grid system?

With an increase in integration between all sources of energy in the system, as well as a focus on reducing overall consumption, and providing "real-time" changes to routes of electrical supplies, this makes smaller, renewable energy producers more competitive in the energy market. And as Smart Grid technologies have been focused on integrating more renewable energy into the system, more incentives continue to become available for renewable energy start-ups.

Q. What kind of opportunities do I have to get involved?

The Smart Grid industry will employ experts from a wide variety of backgrounds. From construction to engineering, from computer software development and operators to run said software, to customer service and technical support, the range of jobs that the Smart Grid provides is vast and will provide a much needed boost to our rapidly increasing unemployment rate.