Electrical Grid Modernization: State of theArt and Future Trends

modernized electrical grid that uses information and communications technology together and act on information, such as information about the behaviors of suppliers and consumers, in an automated fashion to improve the efficiency, reliability, economics, and sustainability of the production and distribution of electricity A twenty-first-century economy requires a modern electric power grid that can effectively utilize renewable energy sources, distributed power, and demand response programs, while accommodating plug-in hybrid electric vehicles and other energy-efficient technologies. Additional capacity is needed to meet growing electricity demand, and smart grid technology is needed to enable the twoway flow of electricity and information. The essence of this vision is “a fully automated power delivery network that can ensure a two-way flow of electricity and information between the power plant’s and appliances and all points in between”.