Smart Grids

http://www.eon-uk.com/distribution/2351.aspx

That link takes you to a small animation by E-on about Smart Grids

What's A Smart Grid?

A smart grid delivers electricity from suppliers to consumers using digital technology with two-way communications to control appliances at consumers' homes to save energy, reduce cost and increase reliability and transparency.

It overlays the electrical grid with an information and net metering system, and includes smart meters. Such a modernized electricity network is being promoted by many governments as a way of addressing energy independence, global warming and emergency resilience issues.T

he smart grid is made possible by applying sensing, measurement and control devices with two-way communications to electricity production, transmission, distribution and consumption.
A smart grid includes an intelligent monitoring system that keeps track of all electricity flowing in the system. It also incorporates the use of superconductive transmission lines for less power loss, as well as the capability of integrating renewable electricity such as solar and wind.

When power is least expensive the user can allow the smart grid to turn on selected home appliances such as washing machines or factory processes that can run at arbitrary hours. At peak times it could turn off selected appliances to reduce demand.

Similar proposals include smart electric grid, smart power grid, intelligent grid (or intelligrid), FutureGrid, and the more modern intergrid and intragrid.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smart_grid

smart grids are being developed everywhere

http://www.smartgrids.eu/

http://www.trendbird.co.kr/1792