“Smart grid” generally refers to a class of technologies that
people are using to bring utility electricity delivery systems
into the 21st century, using computer-based remote control
and automation. These systems are made possible by twoway
digital communications technologies and computer
processing that has been used for decades in other
industries. They are beginning to be used on electricity
networks, from the power plants and wind farms all the way
to the consumers of electricity in homes and businesses.
They offer many benefits to utilities and consumers -- mostly
seen in big improvements in energy efficiency and reliability
on the electricity grid and in energy users’ homes and offices.