ABSTRACT
The Smart Grid has seen major hype over the past few years. Many consider Smart Grid a cliché in the utility industry. What was initially given the name of “intelligent grid” (maybe that implied too much) and is currently interpreted a hundred and one different ways, Smart Grid has gained worldwide recognition, and the “smart” catchphrase seems to have carried over into other industries—for good reasons or not. Almost everything is dubbed “smart” in the electric system, even down to the “smart bolt” on a transmission tower. The many interpretations of “Smart Grid” depend on the perspective of those talking about Smart Grid—the utility, vendors, consultants, academics, and consumers. One thing is clear that Smart Grid is a definite change in the way people are thinking about the generation, delivery, and use of electric energy. Thus, the “Smart Grid” has become an essential component to addressing the energy demand, security, and environmental challenges we face.
