Communications in smart grids

Smart Grids are expected to revolutionize existing electrical grids improving efficiency, reliability, and generation sustainability of electrical power, and allowing two-way communications. In order to make the current electrical power grid a Smart Grid one, are required the design and implementation of a new communication infrastructure. However, despite the fact that several SG projects have been proposed in recent years, only a few proposals offer forward-looking requirements solutions. The purpose of this research article is to provide a comparison for current wired and wireless communication technologies. Among them some of the latest technologies/standards such as Cognitive Radio (CR), Smart Utility Networks (SUNs) and TV White Spaces (TVWS). This paper covers some open issues, challenges, and future directions of SG, and their associated communication techniques. Although most of the recent advances and challenges are discussed in the literature, yet many technical issues remain to be solved.