The amount of data that smart grid devices can generate is indeed vast, as commentator after commentator will tell you. The big hurdle is leveraging that data to deliver real value for utilities and the customers they serve. Using data to enable not just real-time analytics, but real-time grid control decisions, remain a major goal. [...]

The Modern Microgrid: Three Major Benefits
As we’ve written previously on this blog, microgrids are not a new concept. They have existed in one form or another for decades. But microgrids today provide new capabilities that offer great promise, and have sparked significant interest. Here are three major benefits offered by modern microgrids: A more resilient energy supply. Particularly following Hurricane [...]

Setting the Bar for Reliability Higher at Networked Grid 2013
A recent story by the AP on power reliability has received a lot of attention. The gist of the article is that even though the cost of electricity has gone up over the last decade, power reliability has actually declined. In my view, a major reason for this discrepancy is that we under-invested in the [...]
Hurricane Highlights Challenge of Repairing an Aging Power Grid
Electric utility personnel dealing with the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy have faced a truly monumental challenge in repairing the power grid and restoring service. The challenge is compounded by the fact that the U.S. power grid is aging—in fact, much of the equipment in use on power grids today is decades old. The age of [...]

New Year’s Resolutions for the Electric Power Industry
Last year, we looked at potential new year’s resolutions for electric power grids. This year, we’re thinking big—and considering resolutions for the electric power industry as a whole. Here’s my wish list of new year’s resolutions for the industry: Make power reliability a top priority. Improvements in reliability cost money, but so do power outages. [...]

Making the Holidays Merry . . . and Bright
With the holiday season in full swing, many people will take time off to celebrate with friends and families. However, critical infrastructure—including the electric power grid—will still be reporting for work. There’s no such thing as a holiday for the power grid. Communities depend on a reliable supply of power 365 days a year, 24 [...]




