http://www.renewableenergyworld.com/rea/news/story?id=52104A host of initiatives across Europe has led to an explosion in interest into how -- and where -- smart grids will be implemented and deployed.
According to Jose Antonio Vanderhorst-Silverio, a leading voice in the Electricity industry, "It is clear that dramatic change is coming in the future for the electric utility industry...the way energy is generated, delivered and consumed
substantially changing the whole business model. This change is coming to a piece of the industry that hasn't been known for radical change over its 120 plus year history... Implementation of the Smart Grid will require a complete rethinking of the utility business model and business processes."
U.S. Leading the Charge
But it's in the U.S. that the most impressive initiative is taking place. A new project has been announced to deliver the first ever Smart Grid City that will be a "first step toward building the grid of the future," according to Dick Kelly, Xcel Energy chairman, president and CEO. "In Boulder, we'll collaborate with others to integrate all aspects of our smart grid vision and evaluate the benefits. The work we're doing will benefit not only Boulder, but also customers throughout our eight-state service territory."
In addition, the GridWise Alliance aims to drive forward an "electric system that integrates the infrastructure, processes, devices, information and market structure so that energy can be generated, distributed and consumed more efficiently and cost effectively; thereby achieving a more resilient, secure and reliable energy system," according to it's website. Founded in 2003, the Alliance is an advocate for change on both the national and state levels. Its members include utilities, IT companies, equipment vendors and new technology providers.
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