As American homes and businesses take on ever-increasing numbers of electronic … Contact online >>
As American homes and businesses take on ever-increasing numbers of electronic
OE leads national efforts to develop the next generation of technologies, tools,
Smart grid policy in the United States refers to legislation and other governmental orders influencing the development of smart grids in the United States.
The term smart grid describes a next-generation electric power system, that is classified by the increased use of communication and information technology in the generation, delivery, and consumption of electrical energy.[1] For individual consumers, smart grid technology offers more control over electricity consumption. Typically, the goal is overall greater energy efficiency (for example, programming home appliances to run at specific times when electrical demand is lowest).
The reliability and efficiency of the electrical grid can be enhanced by implementing smart grid technologies. However, this will require modifications to the current electrical system, and advances towards smart grid adoption in the United States have been slow. Key federal legislation driving the development of smart grid-related technology for the American electrical system includes Title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (EISA). Further, smart grid regulations will help to further drive the adoption of smart grid technology in the United States.
Some milestones[2]
Title XIII of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 (Pub.L. 110–140)[12] is the only major piece of federal legislation that addresses the modernization of the United States'' electric utility transmission and distribution system by upgrading to the Smart Grid.
Smart Grid on a broad scale, refers to an advanced distribution system, which accommodates for the "flow of information from a customer''s meter in two directions: both inside the house to thermostats, appliances, and other devices, and from the house back to the utility".[13] Smart Grid is designed to support operational and energy measures such as smart meters and appliances, renewable energy resources, as well as energy efficiency resources.[13]
The Department of Energy (DoE) is required by Section 1304 of the act to conduct Smart Grid research, development, and demonstration. In addition, the National Institute of Standards and Technology is to establish protocols and standards for Smart Grid equipment and systems. Smart Grid technology is subsidized by the creation of a program within the DoE that "reimburses 20% of qualifying Smart Grid investments".[13] On a state level, utilities providers are encouraged to employ Smart Grid technology and to recover Smart Grid investments through rates.
According to Title XIII Section 1302, reports are to be made to Congress one year after enactment and every two years subsequently to give "the status of smart grid deployments nationwide as well as any regulatory or government barriers to continued deployment".[14] The Smart Grid Task Force established in section 1303 will assist with this, and provide the current status and prospects of the smart grid including "information on technology penetration, communications network capabilities, costs, and obstacles".[14] This task force can make recommendations for State and Federal policies or actions to ease in the transition to a smart grid.
A Smart Grid Interoperability Framework is mandated by Section 1305(a-e) of Title XIII whose purpose is to develop protocols and standards for the management of information so that smart grid devices and systems can interoperate within the existing electrical grid. The overarching goal of this framework is to "align policy, business, and technology approaches in a manner that would enable all electric resources, including demand-side resources, to contribute to an efficient, reliable electricity network".[14]
Sec. 1306(a) provides for a federal matching fund for smart grid investment costs in which 20% of qualifying smart grid investments will be reimbursed by the grant program.[14] Qualifying investments that are provided for in section 1306(b) include certain household appliances, specialized electricity-using equipment like motors and drivers, metering devices and transmission and distribution equipment. The computer software that enables devices to engage in Smart Grid functions is also considered qualifying investments, as well as hybrid vehicles.
This section requires that a report be submitted to Congress that "provides a quantitative assessment and determination of the existing and potential impacts of the deployment of Smart Grid systems on improving the security of the Nation''s electricity infrastructure and operating capability" according to Sec. 1309(a).[14] The report should address how Smart Grid improves or disrupts the security of the nation''s electrical grid, reliability, stability during emergencies, and potential risks of the system.
In addition to funding research and pilot programs, the DoE is tasked with monitoring the development of smart grids and reporting to Congress every two years. In their first report in 2009, the DoE set forth 20 metrics by which current smart grids deployment was rated and can be measured. The report found that policy and regulatory progress was at a low level of maturity but was increasing at a moderate trend. The report also stated that policy and regulation should be emphasized to enable the development of new smart grid products, services, and markets.[19]
Official websites use .gov A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock ( ) or https:// means you''ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.
To improve the efficiency, sustainability, economics, and resiliency of the Nation''s electric grids by developing and demonstrating advances in measurement science to improve grid interoperability and facilitate the use of the distribution grid as an enabling platform for modern energy services.
Leveraging NIST''s century-long partnership with the electric industry, we are collaborating with our partners to address this generation''s grand challenge—modernizing the electric power grid so that it incorporates information technology to deliver electricity efficiently, reliably, sustainably, and securely. A modernized grid enables all participants to benefit from the new introduction of new technologies, from distributed resources to advanced communications and controls.
Working with stakeholders and partners from industry, government, and academia, NIST has published the NIST Smart Grid Framework Release 4.0. This program advances the measurement science necessary to increase asset utilization and efficiency, improve grid reliability, and enable greater use of renewable energy sources in the grid through research, standardization, testing, and implementation of the NIST Framework.
NIST engages with stakeholders in the electricity sector through its interactions with the Smart Electric Power Alliance (SEPA), the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), and other organizations representing various community interests.
About United states smart grid
As the photovoltaic (PV) industry continues to evolve, advancements in United states smart grid have become critical to optimizing the utilization of renewable energy sources. From innovative battery technologies to intelligent energy management systems, these solutions are transforming the way we store and distribute solar-generated electricity.
When you're looking for the latest and most efficient United states smart grid for your PV project, our website offers a comprehensive selection of cutting-edge products designed to meet your specific requirements. Whether you're a renewable energy developer, utility company, or commercial enterprise looking to reduce your carbon footprint, we have the solutions to help you harness the full potential of solar energy.
By interacting with our online customer service, you'll gain a deep understanding of the various United states smart grid featured in our extensive catalog, such as high-efficiency storage batteries and intelligent energy management systems, and how they work together to provide a stable and reliable power supply for your PV projects.
