United States

Here in the United States, KEMA is working closely with utilities, industry investors, technology suppliers,  and policy and regulatory bodies to help guide the direction for the evolving Smart Grid landscape, and to implement real world solutions. One of the most pressing issues in this market is the need for interoperability between the various components of the Smart Grid. In order to solve this problem, KEMA consultants are serving in leadership positions on a range of industry boards and associations, some of which have the goal of developing open standards – including work with the National Institute of Standards and Technology. In addition, KEMA has developed the Smart Grid Interoperability Lab (SGIL),which will provide  utilities an opportunity to reduce implementation risks by  testing smart grid components and systems of components.

Key challenges facing the Smart Grid in the U.S. as we see them include:

• For many U.S. utilities, a key  question about the Smart Grid remains – what is the business case for innovation?

• Consumer backlash against smart meters and AMI. Some consumer groups, lacking full clarity and further information, have voiced concerns about the privacy of their information, the potential health effects of wireless radio signals, and possible billing errors, which in some states has taken the form of opt-out initiatives.

• Validating performance of devices from multiple manufacturers in a comprehensive system that will deliver projected benefits to all stakeholders

• The launch of new Electric and Hybrid Electric vehicles has the potential to strain grids, and lead to unexpected surcharges on consumers for their increased electricity usage.

• Distributed generation such as rooftop solar will require new approaches and technologies for seamless grid integration.

• Utility-scale renewable generation, such as wind farms, is forcing utilities to better manage intermittency issues. A related issue is the need for additional transmission systems, appropriate siting for those systems, and buy-in from the public.

• Intermittency from renewables and distributed generation is also driving a new focus on different types of energy storage technologies.

While they are priorities for some, none of these challenges presents insurmountable obstacles. With the right knowledge, planning, and real-world experience, utilities and energy providers in the U.S. will be able to take full advantage of the range of benefits offered by the Smart Grid.  KEMA’s experienced professionals in the U.S. (and across the world) are prepared to work as an extension of your team to provide clarity in a cloudy Smart Grid world,  and help reduce risk each step of the way.

If you have specific questions about the Smart Grid, please contact us at smartgrid@kema.com.