Societal Implications of the Smart Grid: Challenges for Engineering

Abstract

The smart grid, which would combine advanced information and communication technologies with a new generation of electric power production, transmission, and distribution technologies, has been highly touted as a solution to modernizing the U.S. electric grid while simultaneously addressing other policy goals such as improving energy efficiency and expanding the use of renewable energy resources. As with any large scale socio-technical system, however, the smart grid raises a number of societal issues that are interwoven with its technical capabilities. This chapter discusses three such issues – privacy, security, and equity – and argues for addressing them concurrent with the development of the smart grid, as well as educational reforms that will better position engineers to recognize and address such issues.