Get smart about the grid

You have probably run across the phrase “smart grid.” Apparently it means different things to different people:

America seems to have decided that a “smart grid” is what we need to solve the problems of our electric power system. But, what exactly is a “smart grid”?

The answer is that it is many different things. Some of the things that get talked about are relatively inexpensive and can go a long way toward solving key problems. Others will likely be very expensive, and at this stage may better be left to the realm of research.

Carnegie Mellon University offers a five-page document explaining the concept. Download it here.