Environmental Engineering Reference
In-Depth Information
unbundling transmission grid ownership from power generation companies and ensuring
data are available for independent analysis. It envisions hybrid smart grid systems which
are tailored at different scales to integrate local generation in microgrids for island
communities, and also support continental supergrids to enable more renewables and
more international electricity trade across Europe. Greenpeace and other environmental
organizations interact with member states, utilities, and other groups across Europe.
Other organizations and think tanks involved in energy and environmental policy also
weigh in on smart grid. For example, the American Council for an Energy Efficient
Economy, the Climate Project, and the World Resources Institute, among others, have
written reports and white papers and engaged with federal, state, and local policymakers on
smart grid issues. Other nonprofits, like the Regulatory Assistance Project, write about the
regulatory and business model changes necessary for utilities to adopt and use smart grid
technologies. Some other organizations, such as the Rocky Mountain Institute, are actively
involved with technology development and experimentation in the electric sector (Rocky
Mountain Institute 2011 ) .
There are also some civil society groups directly opposed to smart grid development and
smart meter installation. For example, groups like Stop Smart Meters! believe that smart
grid development carries important risks, and they are engaged in fighting smart meter
installation. This loose federation of groups around the United States and internationally
draws members from both the right and left sides of the political spectrum. Members are
concerned about privacy concerns raised by data collection and sharing, and some are also
worried about the health effects of smart meters as a result of radio frequency exposure and
fire hazards. Other members express worries about cybersecurity and the additional threats
an interconnected electric system poses alongside its vulnerability to hackers.
Many opposed to smart meters also make the general observation that while smart grid
and smart meters may help utilities (and help them increase control and profits), they
may not benefit citizens. This question of who benefits from smart meters is salient to
many societal actors and is discussed in more detail in Chapter 5 . Stop Smart Meters!
organizations are encouraging their followers to “defend their analog meters.” They have
protested at city halls, before county boards, and at state legislatures. This citizen
involvement has led many jurisdictions, cities, counties, and states to pass legislation
allowing utility customers to opt out of utility-led smart meter installations. Now, the
organizations are focusing on how these opt-out programs are managed. This has become
an important point of contention, as many utilities impose a service charge on customers
who elect to keep their analog meters. Stop Smart Meters! groups are working to eliminate
this fee and make opting out of accepting a smart meter an easier and less onerous process.
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