Part 7: Utilities may stand in the way of quick adoption of smart meters across the country. Both rate payers and utilities will foot the bill for an increase in transmission lines and smart meters. The current system is 99.97% reliable, leading power companies to defend the status quo. However, some fear that plans to integrate wind, solar and other renewable energy sources may cause disruptions in service. Xcel Energy and Florida Power and Light are two shinning examples of companies implementing change (as detailed in two earlier posts, one on Xcel’s SmartGridCity initiative and the other on FLP’s Energy Smart Miami). According to NPR reporter Jeff Brady, utilities are still by in large regulated monopolies. Installing new, smart meters, when the old meters still work is a difficult sell. Smart meters are not inexpensive devices. Power companies cannot just charge customers for the difference in the price. In all likelihood, utilities will build out the smart grid in a more methodical way than many of today’s technological innovations such as the iPod.

Part 8: If the grid is to become smarter and greener, a new workforce will be needed to usher in this era. NPR reports that nearly half of The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers members nationwide are “up for retirement in the next few years.” Younger workers interviewed in the story express interest in clean energy, which appears to be a major draw for the future employees. With so many workers retiring, the electric grid offers several opportunities for those entering the workforce.

Reporting from the Washington/Oregon border, NPR’s Larry Abramson said the two states “require local utilities to boost the portion of the power they produce from renewables.” At the same time, “Local utilities here say that, at times, they are already producing more wind power than the electrical grid can handle.” Some of these new workers realize that their job may include expanding the system that connect wind turbines to the electric grid.

Students currently receive training on the existing, older systems upon which the grid depends. As the grid is modernized, many of these current students may need to be retrained. Schools like Columbia Gorge Community College, on the Oregon side of the Columbia River, have instituted a Renewable Energy Technology program, which aims to train and possibly retrain the future guardians of America’s electric grid.

For a recap of Parts 5 and 6 of the series click here.

-Eric Wilson