By Maggie Romuld

Traditional power grids were developed to meet the needs of conventional generation technologies such as hydro, coal or nuclear power, and the networks are typically based on large, centralized power stations that supply end-users via long-distance transmission and distribution systems. For years, these single purpose systems have delivered reasonably secure and fairly reliable power - our electricity use tells utilities how much power we want and, usually, the grid gives it to us. But times are changing and they're changing fast. All over the world today's power grids are stressed and out-of-date. Frequently dependent on energy generated from non-renewable resources, and vulnerable to temporary disruptions, the power grids of today are barely meeting our current needs, let alone meeting the probable power quality needs and challenges of tomorrow's technology. Increasingly, we need a grid that can receive power from a variety of sources, while delivering reliable, efficient and cheap electricity, on demand, for a digital economy. In other words, we need a smarter grid.

Described as "more of a how than a what" and as "the internet for electricity," a Smart Grid is a way of using existing infrastructure that enables much more interaction between customers and producers than is currently possible. Smart Grids use information-based technologies to integrate clean energy generated by wind turbines, solar panels, fuel cells and other sources of distributed generation with energy from conventional sources, and along with Smart Metering, can provide utility companies with real-time information about the entire power network in terms of supply and consumer demand. This enables the operator to improve power quality and control load flow, increasing the stability of grids and minimizing the risk of blackouts. The operator can also adapt rapidly to changing situations, sending price signals to the consumer to encourage or curb demand.

Smart Grid projects are being tested throughout the world. In North America, Ontario is leading the way in implementing Smart Grid technology. More than 800,000 Smart Meters have been installed in Ontario, and on the first of June, 2009, 10,000 Toronto Hydro clients became the first participants in what will be "the largest implementation of Time of Use (TOU) electricity tariffs in North America." By the end of this year, all 678,000 Toronto Hydro customers will be on TOU rates. With their new Smart Meters, users will have access to real-time information about how much electricity they are using and how much they are paying for it. By charging more for power during peak demand times, Toronto Hydro hopes to increase overall efficiency and reduce electricity use.

The Smart Grid is not without controversy. In late May, the Toronto utility became one of only eight utilities worldwide to test Google's new residential energy management software tool, PowerMeter, and concerns have already surfaced whether policies are in place to make sure personal customer information is protected when it's handed over to Google. Also, the illegal access of 179,000 Toronto Hydro e-billing accounts this summer raised concerns that hackers could spread a virus through Smart Meters, disconnecting power from homes and businesses. More worrisome yet is the potential for terrorists to destabilize the power grid. These concerns are currently being addressed and Wurldtech Security Technologies, a Vancouver-based provider of industrial cyber security testing for critical infrastructure industries, recently announced initiatives designed to help improve the security of the Smart Grid. "The Smart Grid is critical to our sustainable energy future," said Wurldtech CEO, Tyler Williams, "but the bulk power industry has had little necessity for cyber security in the past because critical control networks were isolated from the litany of IT (information technology) threats that could jeopardize process integrity and reliability. The advantages of Smart Grid however, require increased connectivity, including a reliance on the Internet."

There are numerous environmental benefits associated with the Smart Grid but most importantly, a shift to the new technology may usher in a new way to think about, and use electricity. As we gradually transform traditional systems to a more sustainable power network, the advanced metering technology and real-time pricing will allow us to see, and measure, first-hand, the economics of changing our patterns or reducing power consumption. Increasing energy conservation and enabling the integration of clean, renewable generation sources will also reduce emissions, and smarter management means more efficient operation which may boost transmission capacity in existing transmission lines and delay the construction of new energy infrastructure. The Smart Grid may also support the transition to the next generation of vehicles by providing a better infrastructure for plug-in and hybrid vehicles.

As if all of this isn't enough, a SuperSmart Grid is also being designed. While a Smart Grid works by integrating renewable energy and decentralising electricity production through enhanced technology, researchers with CIRCE, a project of the European Union, propose that a physically extensive grid infrastructure also be developed so that electricity generated from renewable sources could be transmitted over long distances; for example, solar power generated in North Africa could be sent to Europe. This would be a "Super Grid." By merging the two, the SuperSmart Grid would have the capacity to transmit electricity over a wide area, link smaller, distributed-generation installations, and move us closer to the ultimate goal - a completely clean, renewable energy system.

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