Cisco to turn power grids in to smart IP based monitored networks

[edesignuk]

Global electricity networks could become smart grids that can help us monitor and control our energy usage, if plans from net firm Cisco take off.

The giant US firm, whose technology helps underpin the net, is building a two-way link into electricity grids.

Smart grids would allow devices to communicate with utility firms to give an accurate view of energy use that could cut CO2 emissions by 211m tonnes

Cisco believes the market could be worth up to $20 billion a year.

The basic premise is to link different parts of the electrical grid - from a single home to the largest of power stations - using a customised network based on Internet Protocol (IP).

BBC.

 

[jodelli]

Smart grids, huh?
The singularity creepeth ever nearer upon fog shrouded cat's paws as we sleep. ;-)

 

[Abstract]

I don't even know what either of you just said, but "sweet".

 

[angelneo]

If we can transmit data through these power lines, can we use it for regular networking?

 

[sammich]

So the market for these electricity usage monitoring devices will create a market of $20 billion a year? Where is this money coming from? The energy user? The only benefit they would get from this is that they know they are helping the environment by letting the electricity grid monitor their load more effectively.

 

[edesignuk]

So the market for these electricity usage monitoring devices will create a market of $20 billion a year? Where is this money coming from? The energy user? The only benefit they would get from this is that they know they are helping the environment by letting the electricity grid monitor their load more effectively.

In the UK the government will be forcing the installation of smart metres to better manage energy use and billing.

3 guesses how these smart metres will be talking back to HQ.

 

[Antares]

If we can transmit data through these power lines, can we use it for regular networking?

Prior to the popularity of wi-fi, you could do this in your own home....newtork your computers using the power outlets in your house instead of running cat-5 cable.

 

[steve2112]

In the UK the government will be forcing the installation of smart metres to better manage energy use and billing.

3 guesses how these smart metres will be talking back to HQ.

So, given the way the UK has been going, I guess the next step will Big Brother telling you where to set your thermostat.

 

[edesignuk]

So, given the way the UK has been going, I guess the next step will Big Brother telling you where to set your thermostat.

I'm all for it. Energy companies have been guessing at peoples bills for far too long. I just want to be billed my actual usage, and no more. When they have live readings there will be no excuse.

 

[iBlue]

I'm all for it. Energy companies have been guessing at peoples bills for far too long. I just want to be billed my actual usage, and no more. When they have live readings there will be no excuse.

I totally agree but lets see how you (we) feel about it when they bill us more for this new and forced 'service'. Lets not pretend that we won't end up being ripped off for this in one way or another.
Maybe slightly off topic but I think it's wrong that services which are vital to our daily lives, such as electricity/heat/etc should be SO profitable.

 

[SactoGuy18]

There's a really good reason for a "smart" energy grid: the possibility of increased installation of solar power panels at each individual residence.

As such, since solar power panels can also send power back to the grid you need very intelligent power management to control what amounts to many thousands of very small energy producers among the grid in one metropolitan area. And it will be even more true as each residence may also have its own energy storage system in form of a battery that uses something like ultracapacitors for power storage.