Changing to a "smart" electrical grid

By Mark Scott

Buffalo, NY – Changes are coming to the nation's electrical grid. Experts in the field say the way electricity is produced, distributed and consumed will be transformed.

The nation's electrical grid hasn't changed in decades. A coal fired power plant generates electricity, which is added to the grid and sent to our homes. But Martin Casstevens says the grid is overbuilt, designed to meet the demand for a few days each and every summer when air conditioner use is at its highest. Casstevens is director of the clean energy business incubator known as Directed Energy. He recalls that just a few summers ago, the grid failed just as it was needed most...

"The blackout in 2003 cost the region $6 billion in economic loss," said Casstevens. "Those events have to be minimized."

So, the industry is looking to developing a smart grid -- one that is more reliable and efficient. And one, says Casstevens, that meets the electricity needs of consumers.

"We're entering an era where we're starting to talk about smart metering, where the meter on your wall will charge you different amounts depending on when you used power," Casstevens said. "For instance, consumers could wash their clothes or dishes at night, saving themselves money."

And all these changes are presenting various business opportunities. Casstevens says a workshop will be held Wednesday at the Buffalo Niagara Marriott, linking business and academia in an exploration of the smart grid. As an example, Casstevens points to a local company, Energy Curtailment Specialists, that actually pays businesses that reduce their power usage on the hottest days of the year.