Making transmission systems smart: An opportunity which should not be missed

The paper points out that while many efforts are under way to making distribution systems smart, very little serious attention has been given to rethinking the enhancements of transmission systems. Future electric energy systems are likely to require a qualitatively different management of the existing transmission system in order to enable their rapidly changing needs and objectives. The paper discusses an incremental enhancement of transmission systems in order to meet future needs. The thinking that the transmission systems already have control centers and SCADA and many analysis and decision tools misses major opportunities on the way to sustainable electric energy services of the future.