1 By Jesse Berst   After years of lackluster support from regulators –  or even skeptical resistance – the smart grid tide may be turning, as illustrated by new developments in Massachusetts. The state's Department of Public Utilities is launching an investigation to make sure utilities are modernizing their grids.

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Not that they are interested in technology for technology's sake. The goal is to "ensure that utilities are taking every opportunity to reduce costs and improve reliability," explained Massachusetts Energy and Environmental Affairs Secretary Rick Sullivan. Since I've been complaining for years that our industry doesn't sell itself very well – that it needs to better link the smart grid with jobs and with reliability – it is only fair that I signal this evidence that we're doing a better job.

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The press release (see Page 2) even mentions real-time pricing!

In Massachusetts, at least. And perhaps in Illinois, where progress has been made but where regulatory clouds still linger. In California and Texas, to be sure. And maybe in Kentucky. At a grid conference Tuesday, one attendee told me Kentucky regulators have told utilities to get together and figure out what "smart" should look like for the benefit of Kentucky ratepayers.

That's what I'm hearing. What are you hearing in your states? Please use the Comment form at bottom. And the nearby QuickPoll to record your vote.

Jesse Berst is the founder and chief analyst of Smart Grid News.com, the industry's oldest and largest smart grid site. A frequent keynoter at industry events in the U.S. and abroad, he also serves on advisory committees for Pacific Northwest National Laboratory and the Institute for Electric Efficiency. He often provides strategic consulting to large corporations and venture-backed startups. He is a member of the advisory boards of GridGlo and Calico Energy Services.

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