Summary - The Coming Energy Revolution

Rachel King's article The Coming Energy Revolution discusses the benefits of smart-grid technology, the different costs associated with it, and how smart-grid technology is currently being used. Smart-grid technology is a new type of electrical grid in which a two way network is constructed where power and information flow freely between producer and customer. If the smart-grid is created properly it will reduce energy consumption, enable customers to choose what type of energy they are using, and to sell energy back to the producers. The Electric Power Research Institute estimates that it will cost approximately $165 billion to create the smart-grid. Currently, Cargill, a major food producer with a plant in Springdale, Arkansas, is depending on their smart-grid to lower their electrical costs. When peak energy costs become too expensive, a sensor remotely starts the companies generators in order to save the company money. Cargill hopes to save about $680,000 this year in energy costs because of the smart-grid technology.