Smarter Grid: Greener Earth
People talk about the prices of fuel today as they used to talk about the weather yesterday. Oil has become a great conversation opener for many. Increasing fuel prices have not spared any industry. And then there is this huge talk about global warming and going green. If all cost and earth conscious families are doing everything to save their pocket and the earth, is there anything else that could aid them further?
The solution may lie in improving the way we receive electricity at our homes. A smarter grid. Integrating digital, high-speed communications technologies with the electric grid would allow for real-time, two-way communication between the utility and the consumer. Through real-time pricing and energy management technology in homes and businesses, consumers can work together with utilities to use electricity more efficiently and reduce the amount of power used, especially during high-demand peak times. The choice thus would be of the consumer. The Smart Grid will not only help us cut costs but significantly reduce global warming.
Title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which authorizes a large-scale demonstration program for smart grids come just in time to answer America’s and the world’s energy woes especially in the power sector. According to the World Energy Outlook 2007, 38% of Green house Gas emissions come from the power sector. Smart Grids have the potential to cut greenhouse gas emissions, integrate renewable sources of energy (such as solar and wind power) in the grid more readily, offer consumers more options to choose their energy source (renewable or thermal - leading to probable consumer compensation for conserving or generating power) and in turn save on their electricity bill and the planet.
At the utility side, smart grid system would have technological capabilities to divert power supply in case if a line or transformer breaks down, isolate affected areas and redirect power around damaged areas which means more reliable grids, less black outs, optimum use of renewable and clean energy sources all translated to lower costs and greener earth.
If the smart grid system is one of the keys to greener earth then why are utilities resistant to it?
Smart Grid technology is still in its infancy. Utilities are afraid that smart grid systems will increase their costs and risks. None of them are ready to take the plunge as the system is still very new. Also, as consumers have the choice of deciding their energy source and consumption, some utilities may fear losing control. The American Government’s willingness to support the system by authorizing funds to develop experience and expertise by passing the Title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 will thus play a significant role in redefining how electricity reaches our homes and is a giant step towards saving our planet.
