I ran onto an article praising the success of some studies about using “smart grid” technology to save big bunches of energy and money for all of us consumers.
The problem is, “smart grid” was never really defined or explained in the article. I felt like an English speaker being stuck watching a French dvd with the dvd subtitle copy also written all in French. (Don’t even get me started on the inherent complexity of simple movie dvds.)
The problem I have with “smart grid,” I think, is that the term has over-complicated a simple idea. Why not just say “computer controlled” utility networks or something like that? As I understood the article, that’s pretty much what they meant by “smart grid.” They spoke of the computers on the utility company’s side interacting with computer monitored and controlled consumer electronics and appliances to “power up” or “power down” stuff that wasn’t needed.
The thing that I “get” with this is that it saves money because everything from the power generation sources through the kitchen stove and refrigerator communicate effectively and work efficiently together.
AND THE MACHINES WILL RULE THE WORLD!! WATCH OUT FOR THE ROBOTS!!! SPACE ALIENS WILL CONQUER US ALL!!!
Oh, sorry. I lost it for a minute there. Really, though, the “smart grid” idea sounds good to me. Now if someone would just tell me how to quickly move from starting a dvd into watching the movie without having to push too many buttons to get rid of the annoying commercials and maddening menu/music loop — then I’ll be happy and think a lot more about “smart grids.”
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