Securing the Smart Grid

The smart grid promises a more efficient way of supplying and consuming energy. In essence, the smart grid is a data communications network integrated with the power grid and collects and analyzes data about power transmission, distribution, and consumption all in near-real time. Based on this data, smart grid technology then provides predictive information and recommendations to utilities, their suppliers, and their customers on how best to manage power. At the heart of the smart grid is integration of the data communications networks of the generation, transmission, distribution, and customer components of the electrical grid. Increased connectivity presents many benefits, including giving consumers greater ability to control their power consumption and their energy bills.