Utility missions are changing. Once, they focused on delivering reasonably priced power. Now, their missions are evolving to encompass sustainable use and environmental improvement. Smart grids are helping utilities achieve this expanded mission, but they come at a relatively high price-especially for those utilities funding the advancements themselves without the help of government grants. Utilities will need to invest heavily in new hardware, software, business process development and staff training to fundamentally shift how they operate. Customer investments in home area networks and smart appliances also will be sizable.
展开▼
