Have you ever heard of a synchrophasor? It may sound like a word out of science fiction, but these mailbox-sized devices are already changing the electrical grid as we know it. The grid was born over a century ago, at a time when our needs were simpler and our demand much lower. More complex needs are… Keep reading →
The smart grid has been slow to materialize for a combination of factors including investment challenges, but 2014 featured some important advances. “But these challenges also helped define the opportunities for companies, utilities and regulators working on building the next stage of smart grid — a “smart grid 2.0,” if you will. From building on… Keep reading →
Utilities exploring ways to integrate their renewable energy sources into their existing fleet should carefully examine the costs and characteristics of the many flexibility options at their disposal. This advanced planning can greatly reduce their investment needs, according to Jon Pietruszkiewicz, Project Manager, Black & Veatch. “Our message to utilities concerning their variable energy renewable… Keep reading →
This article is part of the Energy.gov series highlighting the “Top Things You Didn’t Know About…” Be sure to check back for more entries soon. Historically, some key advancements in nuclear energy happened during the month of December. On December 2, 1943, Enrico Fermi created the first self-sustaining nuclear reaction at Stagg Field in Chicago.… Keep reading →
Successful integration of ever-growing amounts of renewable energy into electric grids has been a constant quest for utilities over at least the past few years. Dr. McGrath outlines today’s challenges in renewables integration, the contributing factors utilities are or should consider in their planning, and a selection of available solutions. While her article is far… Keep reading →
Making the power grid smarter and more efficient is becoming a necessity as aging infrastructure requires upgrading, distributed generation sources proliferate and utilities adjust business models to address climate change and other new realities. But when incorporating smart meters and other new technology into the power grid, it’s imperative these devices can “talk” to one… Keep reading →
Note: This blog was originally published August 15, 2014. Earlier this week, I joined Vermont Governor Peter Shumlin, the CEOs of Green Mountain Power and Dynapower, and Rutland Mayor Christopher Louras for the groundbreaking of a major innovative project in Rutland, Vermont. OE is partnering with the State of Vermont Public Service, Green Mountain Power,… Keep reading →
As expected, federal regulators have approved a new physical security standard for the high-voltage electricity grid.
On November 20, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission approved Reliability Standard CIP-014-1 (Physical Security). The standard, proposed by Commission-certified Electric Reliability Organization North American Electric Reliability Corporation (NERC), is designed to enhance physical security measures for the most critical parts of the nation’s “bulk-power system,” the high-voltage backbone of the nation’s electric grid.
![theGrid_Infographic_homepageHero[1]_1](https://sites.breakingmedia.com/uploads/sites/2/2014/11/theGrid_Infographic_homepageHero1_1.png)
While Energy.gov was celebrating #GridWeek, I traveled to Japan for the 6th International Conference on the Integration of Renewable and Distributed Energy Resources. I got to see firsthand some of the innovative work being done with solar technology, batteries and smart cities. Industry, government and academia created the conference to develop and deploy technologies for grid… Keep reading →
The Energy Department takes the security and reliability of our power grid very seriously. We work closely with our federal, state and industry partners around the clock to protect the nation’s energy infrastructure from all hazards, including cyber incidents. As this year’s National Cybersecurity Awareness Month and Energy Action Month draw to a close, I’d… Keep reading →
