§ 17381. Statement of policy on modernization of electricity grid

It is the policy of the United States to support the modernization of the Nation’s electricity transmission and distribution system to maintain a reliable and secure electricity infrastructure that can meet future demand growth and to achieve each of the following, which together characterize a Smart Grid:

• (1) Increased use of digital information and controls technology to improve reliability, security, and efficiency of the electric grid.
• (2) Dynamic optimization of grid operations and resources, with full cyber-security.
• (3) Deployment and integration of distributed resources and generation, including renewable resources.
• (4) Development and incorporation of demand response, demand-side resources, and energy-efficiency resources.
• (5) Deployment of “smart” technologies (real-time, automated, interactive technologies that optimize the physical operation of appliances and consumer devices) for metering, communications concerning grid operations and status, and distribution automation.
• (6) Integration of “smart” appliances and consumer devices.
• (7) Deployment and integration of advanced electricity storage and peak-shaving technologies, including plug-in electric and hybrid electric vehicles, and thermal-storage air conditioning.
• (8) Provision to consumers of timely information and control options.
• (9) Development of standards for communication and interoperability of appliances and equipment connected to the electric grid, including the infrastructure serving the grid.
• (10) Identification and lowering of unreasonable or unnecessary barriers to adoption of smart grid technologies, practices, and services.