Smart grid technology & applications

The relatively static, slow-changing power transmission and distribution market is finding itself at the confluence of energy, telecommunications and information technology (IT) markets, driving necessary change and innovation in support of a 21st century intelligent utility network, a “Smart Grid.” This paper serves to provide clarification of what the Smart Grid is, from end-to-end, and where it's going as the infrastructure is built out and the applications are ultimately defined and delivered. It does so by explaining the market drivers, benefits and challenges; walking through the many market segments and technologies; laying out the current and future applications.