After a $100 million smart grid trial in July this year, the Australian Government released the Australia smart grid guideline on the 30^th September.

“With this investment, Australia will showcase the world’s best practice when it comes to investing in smart grid technologies, helping industry get on with the job of rolling out these technologies and supporting clean energy jobs,” Mr. Garrett said.

The potential benefits of a full smart grid implementation are dramatic. Some studies have suggested that savings of between 10% and 25% in electricity demand are achievable.

In contrast, the USA Department of Energy delayed to reveal the smart grid standards last month. “Basically because the development of smart grids is a larger task than the electricity utilities can handle. There is also a lack of understanding and willingness by them to investigate how to best form partnerships with the rest of the industry.” Paul Budde posted.

This has not slowed some big names to rush into the market including Microsoft, Google, IBM, Cisco and AT&T, who are all eager to rock and roll.

My concern is the communication ability of smart grid and smart meters. At present, the meters only store 30 minute intervals of data and transmit the data bi-monthly or quarterly. If Australia has to replace all the electricity meters again after 5 years, who would pay for it?

What smart grids will Australia get? We will just have to wait and see!

image from www.greentechmedia.com

Tags: Australian smart grid guideline, smart grid, smart meters