The Smart Alternative: Securing and Strengthening Our Nation's Vulnerable Electric Grid


 

Publication Date: June 2008

Publisher: Reform Institute

Author(s): Kenneth Nahigian

Research Area: Energy

Keywords: Resilience; Smart Grid

Type: Brief

Abstract:

With an increasing focus on developing and utilizing alternative energy sources to ensure a secure and reliable energy supply, the need is becoming abundantly clear for a modernized energy infrastructure capable of facilitating such innovation and enhancing America's resilience. The essence of resilience is the ability of our Nation to identify, prepare for, respond rapidly to, and recover from any possible catastrophic event. The practical adoption and implementation of a next-generation electrical- power grid "Smart Grid" will reduce the consequences of the electrical grid being targeted by terrorists or adversely affected by a natural disaster while improving energy efficiency and reliability.