The U.S. electrical grid is the system by which electricity is distributed from power companies to consumers.  It’s a complex network involving many components all working together to provide energy to customers near and far.  There are three main parts of the energy grid. The first is the generating stations where electricity is produced, then the transmission lines, which carry power from the stations to the respective demand centers (substations) which in turn feed that power out through its distribution lines.

Electrical plants are typically found near their source of power. For example finding a power plant near a wind farm, coal mine of large body of water may not be unusual as these all serve as forms of energy.  The process by which energy is transferred through these components is fairly simple. The power is generated then stepped up to travel through the transmission wires. Once it reaches the distribution point it is stepped down twice more to the proper voltage to be passed on at the consumer level.

Despite seeming like a few easy steps, there’s much labor that goes into providing power on such a large scale.  In addition, energy consumption has increased as the electric infrastructure in place continues to age. Thus increasing demand for a newer better system.  The new smart grid system seeks to eliminate a good part of that labor by automating much of the process that manages, distributes and monitors electricity. This will allow power companies to provide electricity much more efficiently than they could otherwise. The smart grid system is not only able to monitor electrical activity but it can also collect and act on information gathered about consumer use and consumption. This system is designed to increase the overall efficiency, reliability and distribution of the electrical system. It essentially is the modernization of the power, made possible by a two-way communication system. Now both the electrical companies and the consumers can enjoy the benefits of much more efficient energy. The smart grid is slowly being implemented in the States. With Worcester being one of the first cities in Massachusetts to have a smart grid system its is good to know that progress is quickly being made and being welcomed with open arms as well.

http://energy.gov/oe/technology-development/smart-grid

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=110997398

http://www.usnews.com/news/energy/slideshows/10-cities-adopting-smart-grid-technology/11