Wandering from a traditional to a modern, smarter grid
BY STEVEN COLLIER, IEEE Smart Grid Expert
As 2014 rolls into 2015, what can we say about past and prospective progress toward a modern, smarter grid? At this juncture, the electric utility industry seems mired more in the erosion of the status quo than having, much less implementing, a grand plan for a modern, intelligent grid. The industry cannot return to its former glory, nor can it be content with its current condition. However, no clear direction or blueprint is in sight on how to move the power industry to the next level.
Nineteenth century Danish philosopher Soren Kierkegaard said, “Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards”. We can say the same for the transformation of the electric grid and the companies who own and operate it. We know what we are leaving behind and why, but not so much where we are going or how. Interestingly enough, “Kierkegaard” means “graveyard” and “Soren” is an affectionate Danish moniker for the Devil. The legacy grid may not yet be dead and buried, but we can hear Mick Jagger singing, “Hope you guessed my name, um yeah, but what’s puzzling you is the nature of my game”.
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