Regulators Discuss Transitioning to Smart Grid
State and federal regulators recently announced they will convene a collaborative dialogue on facilitating the transition to a smart electric grid.
State and federal regulators recently announced they will convene a collaborative dialogue on facilitating the transition to a smart electric grid.
The Smart Grid concept involves automating the electric grid. This may be achieved by outfitting the grid with smart controls, two-way communications systems and sensors.
It has the potential to reduce power consumption through demand response, facilitate grid connection to intermittent power stations and distributed generation projects, enable storage of electricity and improve grid reliability.
The collaborative project will be co-chaired by Commissioner Suedeen Kelly of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) and Commissioner Frederick Butler of the New Jersey Board of Public Utilities. Butler also is first vice president of the National Association of Regulatory Utility Commissioners (NARUC).
“Developing the Smart Grid will help modernize our electricity delivery system and may empower consumers with the means to take more control over their energy consumption,” says NARUC President Marsha Smith of Idaho. “As we face growing demand and rising electricity prices, we must make the grid as efficient as possible. Doing so requires a strong working relationship with our federal colleagues and we are excited to participate in this important collaborative.”
The Smart Grid Collaborative dialogue constitutes the third such collaborative effort between FERC and NARUC. State and federal energy regulators also participate in dialogues on demand response and competitive procurement.
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