Many people working in smart grid argue that the smart meter, which got so much attention (and stimulus funds) in recent years, is just an endpoint. Real smart grid is on the grid itself, providing two-way communication and more efficient power flow across the distribution system. But what if the meter can help with some Continue reading →
distribution
Southern California Gas Company (SoCalGas) is partnering with Capgemini in its plan to deploy six million smart meters in a planned system upgrade, the first such project for a large North American, gas-only distribution company. The work is planned to take until the end of 2013 to complete, and has been given a go-live date Continue reading →
With the simple flick of a light switch, you are connected to “the machine.” The North American electric grid — the world’s most complex transmission and distribution system — also is referred to as the world’s largest machi via New Lab to Help Utilities “See” Grid of the Future | Renewable Energy News Article.
Amsterdam has a leading example of the smart city ideal: transportation, distribution, utilities, consumers, water sources and renewables working together to create a cleaner, greener urban utopia. They’ve been working on this concept for years, bringing in researchers, utility experts, consultants and even the common man to contribute to the cause. via Smart city evolves Continue reading →
If I had to choose a theme for 2012, I’d predict “integration and unification.” Some vendors and utilities are trying to unify network management via NOCs (network operating centers). Others want to unify distribution operations with expanded distribution management systems (DMS). And now a few firms are striving to unify customer-facing programs such as advanced Continue reading →
On November 2-3 2011, leading utilities will gather in Raleigh, NC, to discuss the latest developments in smart grid distribution automation. The growth in distribution automation projects is nothing short of astonishing. The reason? Optimizing distribution promises utilities of all sizes and markets a significant positive return on their smart grid investments, with real gains Continue reading →
The Kauai Island Utility Cooperative (KIUC) has selected Landis+Gyr to deploy advanced meters and infrastructure on the island via the Gridstream RF mesh network technology provides communication with advanced meters, distribution devices and home area networking equipment. via Landis+Gyr Lands on Kauai.
If we want to implement renewable energy at a large scale, the grid needs to smarten up. Renewables like solar and wind are intermittent sources so they can’t provide the same energy security as gas fired power plants. On the one hand scientists are working on finding better methods to store electricity but on the Continue reading →
The smart grid, a digital technology that gives consumers and electric companies detailed consumption data, is undergoing widespread deployment in much of Texas. Oncor, the largest electric distribution and transmission service in the state, has been replacing mechanical meters with digital smart meters since 2008, with plans to deploy more than 3 million by 2012. Continue reading →
The EISA states that it is “the policy of the United States to support the modernization of the nation’s electricity transmission and distribution system to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure.” This effectively means that the federal government will take a number of actions to encourage and regulate development of a smart grid. via Continue reading →
With the culmination of the four-day GridWeek 2010 conference, more and more smart grid products and services have been unveiled and it seems there’s no stopping the outpour of interest in further developing more efficient systems for smart grid. That, despite lack of clear government policies and some consumer resistance over its implementation. According to Continue reading →
Grid stress is a real problem. In addition to the economic threat there is a potentially greater national security risk. As the U.S. Senate prepares to take up the climate bill, power companies anticipate a provision that would limit power plant emissions and impose a federal standard requiring a significant use of renewable energy resources. Continue reading →
As part of its strategy to establish itself at the hear of its chosen industries, Teledata Technology Solutions has launched a next generation real-time data collection and delivery solution platform enabling intelligent integration of Distribution Operations and Customer Operations. Called Sentinel, this solution will provide the next generation of real time integration solutions needed to Continue reading →
NB Power is getting $2.4 million from the New Brunswick Climate Action Fund to develop technology that will some day let the utility save power by remotely turning down the lights in a factory or even lowering the heat in your home at night. I’s called the Electricity Smart Grid Technology project, and it will Continue reading →
Two Triangle companies well-known in the power industry are teaming up to gain an edge in the fast-emerging market for smart-grid technology. Sensus of Raleigh and ABB in Cary announced their partnership Tuesday in Tampa, Fla., at a conference for the electricity transmission and distribution industry. The partnership will combine ABB’s strength in power transmission Continue reading →
The U.S. Department of Energy’s Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy newsletter reports that utilities in a number of states have adopted new energy storage technologies while deploying advanced smart grids. Many in the utility industry believe smart grid and power storage technologies are the key to connecting large amounts of distributed generation capacity. via US Continue reading →
Back in September 2009 I blogged about six rules that tell you when you have a Smart Grid. The third rule is: You know you have a Smart Grid when the transmission and distribution portions of the grid are optimized for distributed energy generation/storage. This rule becomes reality when microgrids are ubiquitous. The Smart Grid Continue reading →
This research report about selected Smart Grid components presents an in-depth analysis of the development, applications, products, manufacturers, and trends in the development of transmission and distribution (T&D) system automation, energy storage, and microgrids in the United States and around the world. T&D system automation is vital to smart grid development, is badly in need of repair, and has not Continue reading →
Technology available today can be employed to create viable, sustainable, smart cities. That will be the message that Bob Gilligan, vice president–transmission and distribution for GE Energy Services, will deliver to delegates at the Chatham House conference, “The Future of Cities.” via GE Smart Grid Technologies Build Sustainable 21st Century Cities – MarketWatch.
A lot of the interest in the smart grid industry tends to swirl around consumers and home energy management. It can be fun to picture consumers one day buying gadgets at big box retailers that will let them micromanage their home heating, cooling and lighting, and it's an especially attractive venture option for investors and Continue reading →
