Smart Grid, Beyond the Grid

Millions of smart meters are dynamically linking homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities to the grid today – and that number will continue growing. With new points of connectivity between the electric grid and various consumption verticals, there are tremendous new business opportunities for utilities, consumers, and technology companies.

Smart Grid promises to create a cleaner, more efficient, and more productive grid by applying information and communications technology (ICT) and automation to our existing infrastructure. The only way to achieve Smart Grid success is to successfully link the “demand side” to the electric grid. ConnectivityWeek will explore the value propositions, business models, and technologies required for successfully integrating Smart Grid, beyond the grid.

• Value Propositions – Increasing connectivity beyond the grid means we can more successfully integrate distributed renewable energy, provide electricity customers with new models for using and paying for power, and avoid the construction of expensive power plants. While there is clear value to the environment, economy, and future generations, ConnectivityWeek will help explore the financial value to various stakeholder groups.
• Business Models – While business models are still under development, it’s clear that utilities, consumers, and technology companies must realize financial benefit for any of this to succeed. ConnectivityWeek will explore the myriad of business models that make the most economic sense -- and provide reciprocal benefits -- for all stakeholders involved.
• Technologies – While many Smart Grid technologies exist already, ConnectivityWeek will explore how new applications of technologies, innovative products, and unique service models can be applied to deliver the greatest stakeholder value.