Energy Infrastructure Rebuilding Should Reflect Current Technologies

摘要

In an earlier column in these pages, note was made of the numerous studies pointing to the need for significant investment in our energy infrastructure. Recognizing that the infrastructure for generating and delivering electricity is aging and in need of repair, many states are aggressively advancing policies encouraging investment in distributed energy resources (DERs) and Smart Grid technologies. Such investments are being pursued to improve reliability and resiliency of the grid, lower costs to customers, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants. While the success of these initiatives will be tested over time, early indicators anecdotally point to improved reliability and lower costs when DERs and "smart" communications technologies are strategically located on the grid.