Smart Grid Growth Brings Challenges — and More Than a Little Anxiety — for Utilities

A new report from PricewaterhouseCoopers called Smart Grid Growing Pains identifies several challenges and sticking points utilities will need to be ready for if they're to survive and thrive as the deployment of Smart Grid technologies continues to accelerate. The report from the high-powered auditing and professional services firm points out challenges such as project cost containment, maintaining functional cross-utility alliances and customer engagement. Additional associated growing pains noted include the Smart Grid cost-benefit equation, security and data management.

Quick Take: Many of the issues and challenges confronting Smart Grid implementation were anticipated, and some weren't — consider the well-publicized consumer smart meter backlash. This report details the growing pains all stakeholders need to be prepared for as the Smart Grid rolls forward.

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