Barriers and Challenges to Building The Smart Grid

America currently uses an alternating current power grid that was created in 1896, based on an 1888 Nikola Tesla design. In fact, many implementation decisions and processes used today were made for the first time using the limited emerging technology available 120 years ago.

Today, development of modern micro-electronics, especially the entry of the microprocessor, have opened new ways to significantly improve power grid control. The evolutionary integration of intelligent, distributed, and highly-adaptive control systems made available with microelectronics is referred to as The Smart Grid in Title XIII of the U.S. Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007.

Commissioner Wellinghoff will discuss barriers and challenges facing the creation of The Smart Energy Grid and address the process changes needed to move us into the 21st Century.