Promises and Pitfalls of Smart Grid - Smart Grid (R) Evolution: Electric Power Struggles - page 20

Figure 2.1 A representation of an idealized vision of a smart grid future. Reproduced
with permission from Nature Publishing. Source: Maris, 2008.
One of the most basic smart grid promises is increased reliability, resilience, and
security achieved by a sophisticated information communication technology overlay of
networked sensors, big data, and automated interconnections across the system (Amin
and Wollenberg 2005 ). Investments in smart grid also promise opportunities for economic
growth for multiple constituents, including individual consumers, electricity providers, and
society more broadly (Amin 2013a ). Smart grid also promises environmental benefits,
both through integration of renewable resources and by reducing demand by encouraging
electricity conservation through changing patterns or electricity use. Smart grid also
promises to enable and empower consumers to participate in decisions about how the
electricity system is envisioned and deployed (Amin 2013b ) . The smart grid future
envisioned by many smart grid proponents promises to make everyone's life better through
the realization of one or more of these promises.
2.2.1 Enhanced Reliability and Security
For many, the most valuable promise of smart grid is enhanced reliability and security
of the electricity system. This includes both system operation and planning: smart grid
could allow increased resilience to and preparedness for disruptions as well as reduced
vulnerability to disruptions. Disruptions to electricity systems can be caused by physical