Utilities contemplate investments of tens to hundreds of millions of dollars for the procurement of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and smart grid systems. Their objectives vary from power system optimization to preparation for the utility of the future, where customers become actively engaged in managing both energy consumption and production, such as photovoltaic systems and [...]

A smarter electric transmission system goes hand-in-hand with the smart grid-enabled  utility future. Advanced power electronics like flexible AC transmission system (FACTS) devices and high voltage DC (HVDC) transmission are being added to transmission systems for various functions, including voltage support, renewable resource integration, and increased line capacity.

Standardized data communication protocols for utilities establish common languages that enable new applications to talk to old equipment throughout the smart grid network. Such protocols help maximize the capabilities of new smart grid investments and maintain reliable system operations to ensure the network’s success.

CapEx deferral is plausible for energy storage devices applied to T&D power transformer upgrades for subtransmission and distribution substations. Yet, another substation application tells a different story.

In the quest to develop viable solutions for energy storage, community energy storage combined with smart grid presents the greatest potential for integrating renewable energy resources, distributed generation, and demand response. Compared to larger batteries located in substations, community energy storage devices offer several advantages and can potentially overcome the top three barriers to storage [...]