Energetics coauthored a report on smart grid technologies and programs that includes a literature and technology review, smart grid costs and benefits, and an overview of pilot projects.
Client Need
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) required assistance in identifying and analyzing Smart Grid technologies and programs throughout the nation, particularly in the mid-Atlantic states, as a key element of its smart grid program for Maryland. Maryland’s electric utilities have proposed system-wide smart grid programs; the MEA required support in determining which program elements would be most beneficial for Maryland consumers.
Solution
Energetics and the project team conducted an extensive literature review; researched smart grid activities at the state, regional, and national levels; reviewed smart grid technologies; and performed a preliminary cost/benefit analysis of expected efficiency improvements, increased reliability, and reduced customer expenses from smart grid programs.
Results
The Maryland Energy Administration (MEA) released this report to demonstrate the significant potential for smart grid technologies to address Maryland’s energy challenges. The MEA is using this research and analysis to support its technical evaluation of proposed smart grid programs proposed by Maryland’s electric utilities.