Smart Grid Could Save $950 billion over 12 years

In a recent article, Telephony Online points out that applying Moore's Law to our nation's digital network and extending that network into new geographic areas could be a much-needed boost to our economy:

"Achieving energy-efficiency by applying communications and information technologies could save $950 billion on energy over the next 12 years, according to a McKinsey & Company analysis in the Smart 2020 report, commissioned by the Global eSustainability Initiative. Those energy savings would reduce carbon emissions by 7.8 billion metric tons."

These end results would see more people working from home and taking advantage of highly efficient networked information systems, which would lead to decreases in energy use and a net positive for our environment.

But beyond the environmental advantages, there is also job growth to consider. The Information Technology and Innovation Foundation believes that investing in technology will have an immensely positive impact on jobs, productivity, and innovation.

ITIF estimates that spurring an additional investment of $30 billion in America's IT network infrastructure in 2009 will create approximately 949,000 U.S. jobs. We also estimate that approximately 525,000 of these jobs will be in small businesses (defined as firms having fewer than 500 employees).

In a report released earlier this year entitled "The Digital Road to Recovery: A Stimulus Plan to Create Jobs, Boost Productivity and Revitalize America," ITIF outlined three areas of investment that would lead to a brighter future for America through improvements to its digital infrastructure - these include investment in broadband networks, health IT, and ongoing investment in a smart power grid.

Spurring investments in IT infrastructure not only can provide an important short-term boost to the U.S. economy; it also can lay the groundwork for long-term economic growth, international competitiveness, and significant improvement in Americans' quality of life.

Two for one deal: Telecom can save billions while reducing energy consumption (Telephony Online)

The Digital Road to Recovery: A Stimulus Plan to Create Jobs, Boost Productivity and Revitalize America (ITIF)