Feds say smart grid required to keep America competitive

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By Jesse Berst

A new report from the U.S. Department of Commerce cites the urgent need to upgrade the country's infrastructure and cites a modernized grid as an essential example. While admitting that "traditional" infrastructure such as highways and airports need to keep current, it stresses the need for broadband and smart grid to keep the country competitive in the 21st century.

"As the rest of the world grew more competitive," warns Commerce Secretary John Bryson, "the U.S. too often allowed itself to coast. As a result, those economic building blocks have eroded, and with it, so has our ability to compete economically."

Dare we hope this warning – when added to the many that have come before – might lead to a national energy policy in 2013?

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Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com. He consults to smart grid companies seeking market entry advice and M&A advisory. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the US and abroad, he also serves on the Advisory Council of Pacific Northwest National Laboratory's Energy & Environment directorate.

Read the Commerce Department report (pdf)