Give Consumers Their Say

摘要

Discussing the future of the smart grid implies that we now have a "dumb grid," which I don't accept since our nation's record of electric reliability is probably as good as any country in the world. The grid of today, which in many ways is similar to the grid of 50 years ago, can be improved and improved substantially. But do we need a smart grid or just a smarter grid, and if so, how much smarter? As we ponder needed improvements, the question comes down to cost: What's the total price and who will pay for it? As an advocate for consumers, I know of few consumers, large or small, who want a smart grid or its first offspring, a smart meter, right now.