In order to keep up with the market and to be well informed on all current issues and policies, as well as to spot business opportunities for my clients, I attend a vast variety of seminars, luncheons, conferences and tradeshows. This has given me both a panoramic view of today’s energy sector, as well as an inside look at the many issues and debates that arise from such a huge and intricate sector.
I recently attended the 2011 Gulf Coast Power Association Fall Conference (GCPA), and though many subjects were discussed at length, the Smart Grid was a recurring topic. During the conference, it was noted that unless you are in the business, not everyone knows the existence of Smart Grid, much less its concept and purpose. This was further supported by a survey conducted by IBM where the results show that over 10,000 people in 15 countries revealed that 60% of people surveyed have not heard of Smart Grid and Smart Meter.
Though we hear about it constantly and some are already using technologies that are integrated into the Smart Grid, such as the Smart Meter, few understand the impact or magnitude of this device for the future. Smart meters are only a part of Smart Grid Technology; in essence, smart meters measure our consumption habits. The smart part of smart grid and smart metering is completely dependent on what utilities do with the data they are collecting. While this influx of new information will be key for companies to remain competitive, it introduces new dynamics and complexities to the market.
Therefore, it becomes very important to understand the different elements that make up the smart grid; the smart meters being only one of these elements. Costumers, service, and product suppliers alike should be well informed about the needs arising in the market. UBIFRANCE has brought French delegations in the past to exchange about the smart grid in the US.
Because France has launched a massive smart meter deployment, it is one of the countries that can bring new ideas and technologies to the market ; as well as benefit from the US experience and strengthen the ties of US and France in their business endeavors in this new, but challenging and exciting segment.
We are sure that new ideas from all over the world will only help the smart grid move forward, and allow for worldwide employment of this wonderful technology. It will benefit both consumers and utilities, and will help manage our power consumption as individual nations and in the world.