Smart Grid Library

As the US Congressional representatives head home to their respective districts, some of which defy all logic in terms of that contortionist geography called gerrymandering, it’s a perfect opportunity to attend their town hall meetings to offer advice in support of Smart Grid initiatives.   Support a national energy policy that encourages development of clean and [...]

American history buffs and foodies know the story of the three sisters of agriculture, a brilliant combinatorial planting technique practiced by Native Americans.  This uniquely American agricultural invention elegantly illustrates the concept of synergy.  Synergy is defined as the interactions of two or more things combined to produce something greater than their separate efforts could [...]

The cards dealt to the energy storage industry are looking better now than in the past. Here are three of them, all played because of the growing presence of Smart Grid technologies that enable solutions and policies that encourage energy storage markets. One wild card is also listed here, and it could have significant influence [...]

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 the [...]

History is full of teachable moments to inspire us.  I was intrigued by the history of the Southwest Power Pool (SPP), the Regional Transmission Organization (RTO) that was formally established in 2004 and “ensures reliable supplies of power, adequate transmission infrastructure, and competitive wholesale prices of electricity.” (Definition derived from the Smart Grid Dictionary.)  The [...]

The Department of Energy lists active consumer participation as one of the most important characteristics of a Smart Grid.  This takes shape in two forms – electricity production and electricity consumption.  One of the many benefits of the Smart Grid is its ability to integrate renewable energy sources into large scale electricity production.  Another is [...]

When is a grid a Smart Grid? It’s a great question that has a long answer.