Educating the Smart Grid

The smart grid is entering the era of practical pilot projects and readiness to scale. This has been the result of a movement in technology, regulation, and a learning process for all involved. This paper discusses several areas of experience with the "Intelligent Utility Network", IBM's nomenclature for its Smart Grid concept. Topics addressed are the Grid Wise demonstration with the Department of Energy's Pacific Northwest Lab and other research work related to the IUN, projects in progress with customers to create the foundations of a smart grid, technology and architecture, and aspects for the enablement of alternative and distributed energy and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles. From a business perspective, the IBM IUN Utility Coalition and the IUN Maturity Model will be discussed.