grid

The recent spike in electricity supply on the European grid illuminated the problem of storing wind energy, which reamins one of the biggest obstacles to large scale adoption.

Net-metering provides many incentives for residential micro-power. Alberta's system uses an approach called "net billing."

Researchers at the University of Alberta are working on a system to send signals through power lines to enhance the electrical grid to betterhandle distributed power generation.

There are plenty of opportunities for companies developing technologies like commercial and residential solar installations, small wind and even hydro power, but it's also becoming an increasingly crowded market for these companies to innovate and integrate with the existing power grid. Hear the panelists discuss how it might all play out in the coming years.

Eric Thumma of the Spanish wind turbine provider Iberdrola outlines the market for wind power, particularly as states have enacted their Renewable Portfolio Standard mandates that attracted the firm to the U.S.

Kevin Kovelar, Asst. Secretary of Energy, Office of Electricity Deliverability & Energy Reliability, Department of Energy, describes the Department of Energy's efforts to promote reliability of the U.S. electrical grid, including potential designation of National Transmission Corridors.

Marji Philips of the utility PSE&G outlines the increased costs utilities must take on to comply with environmental regulation.

Sonny Popowsky, PA Consumer Advocate, describes consumer anxiety to rising electric rates in deregulated markets in which rates were supposed to fall
-- not rise.

Gloria Ogenyi of Conectiv says increasing fuel prices and increased energy demand are among key factors driving
higher electricity rates in deregulated states.

Jon Wellinghoff, Commissioner, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC), talks about the issues that FERC currently encounters, including the role of both states and utilities in developing infrastructure and implementing new technologies to increase the efficiency and functionality of the electrical grid.

The U.S. has nearly 500,000 miles of transmission lines carrying electricity to consumers. Many of them are more than 50 years old, a concern, as
the "design-life" for many of the components - power transformers, circuit breakers, etc. is only 30 to 35 years on average.

So what's being done to make sure the lights stay on? Experts say it's a combination of building new power plants, improving older ones and using advanced transmission technologies. High voltage direct current (HVDC) technology, for example, allows communities to tap into electricity generated miles and miles away.