There is no denying that the U.S. electrical grid is in need of
replacing, but the route to achieving that goal is unclear. The EPA
added another curve in June 2014 with its proposed and highly
controversial Clean Power Plan, which requires the total carbon
dioxide emissions from existing U.S. power plants to be reduced by
30 percent (from 2005 levels) by 2030. Deploying smart grid
technologies to improve the efficiency of the grid is one way that
states and utilities could reduce emissions and comply with the
rule.
Energy producers feel that the EPA is overstepping its authority,
relying on ambiguity in the House and Senate versions of the bill
to implement this Clean Power Plan. The producers are relying on
the differences in the versions to squash the EPA's attempt to
implement the plan as well. With what will surely be considerable
legal wrangling and in-depth discussions on semantics, is the
reality of a smarter electrical grid achievable?
Yes, according to Foley attorney David Zoppo, co-author of
A Smarter, Greener Grid: Forging Environmental Progress Through
Smart Energy Policies and Technologies. This book builds a
clear case for a new network of technology, equipment, and controls
that can adjust to fluctuations in energy needs via communication
with utilities and customers. A Smarter, Greener
Grid seeks to:
- Serve as a primer on technology and policy
- Discuss "information" on the current state of technology, giving readers an understanding of how a smart grid can be cost-effective while benefitting the climate
- Use a series of case studies from early adopters to underscore the benefits of a smart grid
- Identify legal and regulatory issues associated with roll-out of smart grid technologies
The book is available for purchase online.
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