Smart Grid - enabling electricity networks of the future TODAY

Smart Grid technology is recognized as a key component of the solution to challenges such as increasing electric demand, an aging utility infrastructure and workforce, and the environmental impact of greenhouse gases produced during electric generation. Integrated Smart Grid solutions combine advanced sensing technology, two-way high-speed communications using the utilities assets, 24/7 monitoring and enterprise analysis software and related services to provide location-specific, real-time actionable data as well as home energy management solutions to provide enhanced services for the end-users. As a result, these solutions increase the efficiency and reliability of the electric grid while reducing the environmental impact of electric usage benefiting utilities, their customers, and the environment. Smart Grid solutions, including Distribution Automation, Asset Management, Demand Side Management, Demand Response, Distributed Energy Management and Advanced Metering Infrastructure, allow utilities to identify and correct a number of specific system issues through a single integrated, robust, and scalable Smart Grid platform. Example case studies of these applications will be presented, analyzing the full solution deployment: hardware, telecomms, systems and applications, so as to demonstrate how the Smart Grid is enabling reduction of operational expenses, improvement of SAIFI and SAIDI, enhancing asset management, and improving distribution operations. CURRENT, in partnership with Iberdrola, will provide an overview and examples of the results of existing innovative Smart Grid deployments and new future orientated solutions. The session will provide an overview of technologies being deployed, key Smart Grid applications being implemented and outlines of European industry standards that have recently been announced.