There is a lot of talk about the new “smart grid” that many electric utility companies are now beginning to build.  The term is used in different contexts and can mean different things. In fact, there has been a debate about how to accurately define smart grid on Wikipedia for several years now (the debate continues!). Here’s my perspective: Imagine that you are at home and a storm is brewing outside. Your power goes out and within 60 seconds you receive an email on your Blackberry from your utility advising you that they know your service has been interrupted, and crews have been dispatched. Ten minutes later you receive another message: crews are repairing downed power lines; service will be… Continue reading →