Lessons from LinkedIn: Industry Folks (Not Utilities!) Need to a Make a Better Smart Grid Business Case Security blogger Andy Bochman highlights a discussion he came across on LinkedIn that puts the onus on the industry – not utilities – to do a better job of articulating ROI for Smart Grid projects. Click inside and see if you agree. Jul 6, 2010    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Help for Public Utilities Trying to Get Their Heads Around the Smart Grid Business Case Texas A&M University is setting up a six-month research consortium to help electric cooperatives, municipal and other public utilities understand and evaluate the business case for investments in the Smart Grid. Apr 20, 2010    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Survey: Cost Remains Primary Barrier to Smart Grid Cost remains the top barrier to Smart Grid adoption according to industry leaders who participated in the Pacific Crest Mosaic Smart Grid survey. But check out what other barriers made the list and how they ranked. Nov 10, 2009    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   1 Active Comment(s)

Study: Smart Grid Technologies Can Yield $110M Annually for Typical Utility A new study, 'Smart Grid Economics: Making the Business Case for Smart Network Technology,' says the typical electric utility can directly benefit from Smart Grid technologies to the tune of at least $110 million annually Nov 5, 2009    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   3 Active Comment(s)

Next Ten Years Are Crucial to U.S. Energy Future, Says Report Still another report says the U.S. needs to get going on all fronts to address grid issues. Which means more support for the Smart Grid. Aug 7, 2009    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Leader or Follower? The Four Essentials of a Safe-and-Sane Smart Grid Plan One of the industry’s best-known thinkers suggests four approaches that will help utilities create a clear, step-by-step plan to access Smart Grid benefits. Click to read advice from IEEE Fellow John McDonald, currently GM of Marketing for General Electric, who explains how to develop a strong business case, how to pace investment, and more. Jun 8, 2009    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   5 Active Comment(s)

How Electronomics Will Make Utility Pros Rich A massive, global trend is underway that will make the Smart Grid even more important than it is today. It will also create startup opportunities as compelling as those in the early days of PCs and the Internet. Click for a link to a new white paper from Jesse Berst that documents the changes and explains the 15 opportunities it opens up for companies large and small. Sep 11, 2008    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   3 Active Comment(s)

How Do We Pay for a Modern Grid? Steve Pullins discusses paying for the Modern Grid. He'll show how you can spend a fraction of your ‘business-as-usual’ capital layouts on Smart Grid-related improvements at a zero-cost differential. Jul 5, 2007    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Five Essential Pieces: The Fundamentals of a Smart Grid David Moore is the President of Atlanta-based Advanced Control Systems, a pioneer in distribution automation. In this guest editorial, he explains the five pieces that should be at the foundation of any Smart Grid initiative for maximum long-term value. It is a useful high-level checklist for any utility considering grid updates. Apr 5, 2007    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

Study Points to Business Case for Modern Grid The recently released San Diego Smart Grid Study uncovered 26 technologies key to modernization. More importantly, it documented costs versus benefits, providing an interesting template for other utilities and regions. This report argues that societal benefits could and should be used to cost-justify grid upgrades. Steve Pullins, leader of the Modern Grid Initiative, explains why there can be no Smart Grid without a business case. Feb 20, 2007    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

When Pain Makes Things Feel Better: PG&E's AMI Business Case Matt Lecar explains why it used to be so hard for E to make a business case for advanced metering. And explains what has changed to make it possible today. The lessons may well apply to many of the nation's utilities. Sep 18, 2006    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion   1 Active Comment(s)

Making the Case for a Modern Grid Modern Grid Initiative team leader Steve Pullins is back to explain how to make the business case for grid improvements. One secret is to quantify and account for societal benefits as well as system benefits. Click for explanations and examples. Aug 26, 2006    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

The Case of the Missing (Business) Case Utilities are rushing into advanced metering but missing its biggest benefits and full business impacts. The disconnect between the metering shop and the T&D side is so great that some project managers resort to “guerrilla tactics” to get systems approved and used. Mark Gabriel explains why we need to be studying this issue right now. Jun 5, 2006    Read the Full Story   Join the Discussion

SMART GRID NEWS TALK BACK BUZZ San Luis Valley Smart Grid Ceal Smith: Is there a report or synopsis of the Smart Grid development in San Luis Valley that you describe in your note? I am particularly interested in what type of energy storage was found to be most cost-effective as the community developed their solar energy dependence. Gerald Voecks ... Talk Back right now to Gerald Voecks