Smart Grids – Planning the Intelligent Utilities of the Future

Economics and ecology are creating a new utilities marketplace. Driven by the surging worldwide demand for electrical power, and challenged by the need to ensure stable supplies, to improve efficiency and to reduce the carbon footprints of their companies and customers, utilities are searching for a new and better business model. A number of economic, social, political and market forces are pushing utilities to adopt a more intelligent approach to the generation and delivery of electricity.

The emerging Smart Grid encompasses far more than the traditional utility distribution network. Made possible by a new generation of embedded computing, advanced metering and data management technologies, Smart Grids will soon allow utilities to anticipate and shape consumer demand for electrical power. By managing the demand curve, utilities can achieve the important strategic goals of reducing consumption and meeting customer expectations, while creating a more sustainable and profitable long-term business model.

In this viewpoint paper, HP examines the demands of the coming Smart Grid environment. We analyze the requirements of the Smart Grid, and its implications for consumers, businesses and utilities. Finally, we explore how the convergence of information and ecological technologies will shape this new and promising utilities marketplace.