Smart grid — The next frontier

Interconnection of conventional electric power systems by means of a sustainable smart grid with new technologies and standards for operability and more efficiency, will soon be a reality. However, the question remains of how can this efficient future power grid be realised. The first technology that comes to mind is the integration of smaller renewable distributed systems. A system that is smart enough to use the excess "wasted" renewable energy normally dumped during off peak periods and a system that help balance the intermittent nature of some renewables such as wind energy. Surely, the expertise and technology are available. The authors of this paper discuss the operation of a Smart Grid, its advantages and the local state of affairs.