A smart grid is a range of technologies that allow for more complex interactions between the utility and consumer. Some of these interactions include better monitoring of energy generation, transmission, and usage so that a utility can better predict demand, pin point outages, and serve its customers. A smart grid allows for better integration of consumer generated power such as solar panels or turbines. In addition, a smart grid could result in lower utlity rates for customers through automating electical demand such as controlling charging car batteris when utility usage is low.
