Our nation's electric power infrastructure that has served us so well for so long - also known as 'the grid' - is rapidly running up against its limitations. This book substantiates the benefits of moving to a more intelligent grid, not only for utilities and grid operators, but also for consumers and society as a whole. A smarter grid will function more efficiently, enabling it to deliver the level of service we have come to expect more affordably in an era of rising costs, while also offering considerable societal benefits, such as less impact on the environment.

Preface Chapter 1. The Smart Grid: An Introduction Chapter 2. Electric Power Transmission: Background and Policy Issues Chapter 3. Smart Grid: Enabler of the New Energy Economy Chapter 4. Statement of Patrica Hoffman, Acting Assistant Secretary for Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability Chapter 5. Smart Grid System Report Chapter 6. Smart Grid System Report (Annex A and B) Chapter Sources Index