North Carolina’s electric utilities are modernizing their power generation and distribution systems. This transformation of our electric grid offers improved performance and growth opportunities for North Carolina citizens, communities and businesses. The modernization projects are taking place while the grid is in full operation and filling its critical role in our society. This site provides you with education and guidance on where to find more information on North Carolina’s smart grid efforts.
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What is Smart Grid?
Before we jump into “smart grid,” let’s talk about the “grid.” The grid is a system of wires, switches and other equipment that brings electricity from where it is generated to where it is needed. The term “grid” may bring thoughts of organization and pattern, however the electric grid is a complex system with hundreds of thousands of miles of transmission and distribution lines across the United States.
Source: North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives
A smart grid integrates new technologies and communication networks with the current power grid to benefit electricity customers, their communities and their power company. Electric companies have already started to install elements of the smart grid across North Carolina. Smart grid can mean many things to many people. For example, new generation, distribution controls, self-optimization, microgrids, communication equipment and smart meters can all be part of a smart grid system. Different utilities may focus on certain technologies first, or address all at once if appropriate.
Source: Duke Energy
Organizing all of the smart grid information and opportunities can be a large challenge. In general, however, most of the smart grid topics fall into three categories: economic impacts, technology and policy. As smart grid changes are made to the current grid, benefits will be seen in customer value, economic growth, municipal readiness and community sustainability.
Upcoming Webinars
- June 24, 2020 – Medium- & Heavy-Duty Vehicle Electrification in North Carolina
Webinar Recordings
- Smart Grid Basics – April 26, 2017
- Solar Power and Grid Integration – May 24, 2017
- Smart Meters and Advanced Metering Infrastructure – June 22, 2017
- Microgrids and Grid Resiliency – September 20, 2017
- Self-Optimizing Grid Technologies – October 24, 2017
- Energy Storage – April 26, 2018
- Grid Resiliency – June 6, 2018
- Smart Grid and Economic Development – October 4, 2018
- Electrifying Transportation in North Carolina – May 9, 2019
- Smart Home Technologies – August 27, 2019
- Developing North Carolina’s Energy Workforce – October 10, 2019
- Expanding Access to the Electric Grid – December 12, 2019
- Megatrends in the Energy Industry and Implications for North Carolina – May 14, 2020
Smart Grid Case Studies
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure – Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation – PDF
- Advanced Metering Infrastructure – Brunswick Electric Membership Corporation – Video
- Microgrids – Duke Energy Carolinas – PDF
- Energy Storage – Duke Energy Progress – PDF
- Economic Development – Duke Energy – PDF
- Heron’s Nest Smart Neighborhood – PDF
- Emissions Quantification Tools Overview – PDF
Smart Grid Articles
- Convenience & Energy Savings with Smart Speakers
- Developing North Carolina’s Workforce
- Smart Grid and Economic Development
- Understanding and Managing Grid Reliability and Resiliency
- How Will Energy Storage Impact Utilities?
- North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives See the Future in Microgrids
- Off Grid Solar Cabin Provides Lodging, Educational Experience for Guests
- The Benefits of Smart Meters
- North Carolina Electric Cooperatives Run Successful Water Heater Pilot
- Smart Grid – The Grid of the Future
Resources
- Smart Grid Introductory Resources:
- Glossary of Energy and Smart Grid Terms
- Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative: The Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative created the “Next Innovation” video and operates WhatIsSmartGrid.org, they also provide detailed information on smart meters.
- Electric Power Research Institute’s Integrated Energy Network
- IEEE Smart Grid Resource Center
- DOE Introduction: The U.S. Department of Energy’s primers provide a broad overview of smart grid opportunities, technologies, and benefits.
- GridWise Alliance: The GridWise Alliance shares its national grid modernization rankings, regional workshop reports, and policy guidance.
- North Carolina Solar and Agriculture: A report from the NC Sustainable Energy Association.
- Revisiting the California Duck Curve: A report from ScottMadden Management Consultants.
- EPRI Integrated Grid: The Electric Power Research Institute shares smart grid project results and planning guidance.
- NRECA Demonstrations: The National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and 23 cooperatives share findings from smart grid installations.
- Microgrid and Self-Healing Resources:
- The Microgrids Group at Berkeley Labs
- Duke Energy Grid Technology Brief: Self-Healing Networks
- Video: Microgrid System – Technology Powers Customers and Duke Energy
- Video: McAlpine Microgrid – A Distribution System Based Microgrid
- SEPA/EPRI Report: Microgrids – Expanding Applications Implementations and Business Structures
- Energy Storage Resources:
- North Carolina Energy Storage Study: This website contains information related to the North Carolina energy storage study, which was mandated through the NC General Assembly’s authorization language from HB 589.
- Electric Transportation Resources:
- Plug-in NC
- Duke Energy’s Electric Vehicle Webpage
- North Carolina’s Electric Cooperatives Electric Vehicle Webpage
- Smart Energy Consumer Collaborative Electric Vehicles Toolkit
- Electric Power Research Institute’s Electric Transportation Webpage
- US Department of Energy – Alternative Fuels & Advanced Vehicles Data Center
- Plug-in America
North Carolina Utilities
Visit your electric utility’s website to learn more about smart grid services they may offer.