Around the world electricity utilities are updating and re-architecting their power networks. This is largely in response to growth in user demand and the restructuring of generation (including distributed supply from renewable generation such as wind and solar). However, there is also a compelling need to re-think existing architectures to incorporate far more pervasive communications. The resulting "smart grid" is a synthesis of energy, IT and communications infrastructures. Some power engineers may argue that communications has been part of utility networks for decades. This is true. SCADA networks have been monitoring power transmission lines and equipment in substations since the 1950s. Utilities have been controlling user demand through tone control of off-peak hot water heaters and pool pumps since the 1960s and possibly earlier.
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