Smart Grid: Just a Buzz Word or Transformative Opportunity?

I moderated GITA’s Industry Trends and Analysis Group (ITAG) today in which the group of approximately 75 attendees discussed not only their industry’s key technologies and applications but also the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) and how each will attempt to secure funds from the stimulus bill.

But common to each group was a discussion of smart grid technology. Does it apply to just the electric utility industry or do all other sectors have their own "smart grid." As importantly is that each industry must rely on another if they want to conserve funds.

Cyndi Salas (pictured at easel at right) of CenterPoint Energy, the ITAG leader for electric utilities commented that Smart Grid technology is a collection of many technology improvements. Smart Grid is not just one thing; it is really the integration of multiple technologies. Salas also said that it encompasses a broader industry movement that should be treated as a transformative opportunity.

But there were two other concerns: The first is that the ultimate smart technology solution may be a few years down the road. Second, the consumer just wants to lower their energy bill without understanding that a change to their energy consumption behavior would have to be altered even if it is as simple as buying a programmable thermostat.