Oil Prices Reach Above $70/barrel Again, But Why? Crude Oil Futures this week reached back above the $70-per-barrel mark, part of a dramatic climb back from the $40-per-barrel range. However, while there are guesses about what is causing the rise in oil prices, the actual mechanics of the situation are cloudy. Jun 10, 2009    Join the Discussion

Worldwide Electricity Demand Set to Fall for First Time Since 1945 The recession has brought the first worldwide annual drop in electricity in five decades. In addition to the once unthinkable lowering of fossil fuel prices, the trend could pose a challenge to utilities and prove to be a serious stress test for renewable energy technologies. Jun 1, 2009    Join the Discussion   2 Active Comment(s)

PNNL Develops AMI-compatible PHEV Smart-Charger Controller A prototype device for plug-in hybrid electric cars will work with smart meters to charge your car when electricity costs less. But is it sufficiently secure, robust, and expandable to do the job? May 14, 2009    Join the Discussion

Former Silver Spring Networks CEO Bets on WiMAX Is WiMAX the solution to the “last mile” communications question for the Smart Grid? Former CEO of Silver Spring Networks thinks so. But utilities may want to take a close look at this unproven standard. May 9, 2009    Join the Discussion   4 Active Comment(s)

Standard Plug for Plug-in Hybrids To Be Finalized Soon Major automakers have agreed to a standard plug for their plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. But will the hours required to charge a car with such a plug short-circuit the appeal of electric cars? Apr 27, 2009    Join the Discussion   9 Active Comment(s)

Former Shell President Calls for Federal Energy Regulatory Board John Hofmeister, former President of Shell Oil Company and head of Citizens for Affordable Energy, believes energy should be regulated at the federal level by an independently appointed board that would be empowered to enact a national greenhouse gas cap and trade system, impose taxes and incentives, govern aspects of permitting, and take charge many of the electric power and generation and transmission areas currently regulated by states. But would such a “Federal Reserve” of energy solve our current regulatory problems? Apr 21, 2009    Join the Discussion

The Coming Paradigm Shift and How To Achieve It We need to undertake a remaking of the American power grid. This effort will be no less comprehensive than the rural electrification initiative of the previous century. But to succeed, I believe we need to make a shift in our thinking. Apr 13, 2009    Join the Discussion   1 Active Comment(s)

Foreign Cyber-Spies Inject Spyware into U.S. Grid with Potential for Serious Damage Cyberspies from China and Russia have inject malicious software into electric grid and other infrastructure control software. Malicious users could take control of key facilities and cause power outages and tremendous damage. Alex Zheng looks at the root causes of our cyber vulnerability. Apr 8, 2009    Join the Discussion   4 Active Comment(s)

SMART GRID NEWS TALK BACK BUZZ Meter ownership Typically, in the Northeast US, meters are owned by the service oprovider, not the customer however this may change depending on individual state rules. ... Talk Back right now to Michael Cooper

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