California leads the way with electric smart grid deployment plan

On June 24, California's Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) unveiled its roadmap to bring the state's electric grid into the 21st century.

The proposed "smart grid", will allow two-way communications, sensors and control technologies, and promises to affect the way electricity is generated, transmitted, and used.

The proposed grid can generate information in real-time and will empower consumers to understand and control their energy use. The grid's smart technologies allow closer monitoring and more efficient energy use, ultimately lowering greenhouse emissions and reducing electricity outages.

According to Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger,

"Moving to a smart grid will allow utilities to help customers save money by reducing their electricity demand, provide consumers with more control over their energy use and help deploy clean, renewable energy sources like wind and solar around the state."

To view the draft report, click here.

Enabling smarter, more connected electric grids is a component of the National Broadband Plan, released earlier this year.

For more information on smart grids, read Speed Matters report on Networking the Green Economy. Speed Matters and its partners — Progressive States Network, Blue Green Alliance, the Communications Workers of America and Sierra Club — conclude that any transition to smart grid technology must include programs to assist workers in the industry during the transition.

California public utilities commission rolls out smart grid deployment initiative

Decision Adopting Requirements for Smart Grid Deployment Plans Pursuant to Senate Bill 17

National Broadband Plan by Issues: Energy and the Environment (Broadband.Gov)

Networking the Green Economy (Speed Matters)

Networking the Green Economy: Good Jobs (Speed Matters You Tube)