See the full press release here.
As smart grid initiatives advance in the U.S., key states are emerging as policy leaders. Bolstered by US$4.5 billion in federal smart-grid stimulus funding, these states are laying the groundwork for market development and shining light on the economic, technological and regulatory issues associated with smart grid’s nascent integration.
GTM Research's latest report, United States Smart Grid Policy 2010: In-Depth Analysis of Ten Key States Driving Deployment, has identified 10 states that, in addition to leading in stimulus funding, are diversified in terms of their smart grid policy prescriptions and geography: California, Colorado, Florida, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Texas. Within these states are projects planned or underway by 43 grid-operating entities. Their scope ranges from multimillion-meter projects in Texas to Western Massachusetts Electric's pilot program to install 1,750 advanced meters. With such variation from one state to the next, these 10 markets can be viewed as smart-grid "case studies" for more specific, large-scale approaches in the future.
"These 10 states are the laboratories for U.S. smart-grid policy, and their influence on the pace and scope of deployment is durable and growing," said Stephen Munro, the report's author and a Washington-based energy policy analyst with GTM Research. "Smart grid technology players will look to current state regulations for near-term activity as well as to anticipate how smart grid initiatives will adapt on a broader scale."
According to GTM Research, approximately 5% of consumers nationwide were equipped with some form of smart-grid technology at year-end 2009. GTM Research estimates that number will increase roughly ten-fold over the next five years as Federal stimulus opens the door for private investment and grid operators look for modernized systems to facilitate energy efficiency and renewables mandates. The 10 states featured in United States Smart Grid Policy 2010: In-Depth Analysis of Ten Key States Driving Deployment are on the frontline of this technology build-out and investment.
While Federal stimulus and energy policy have been central to driving smart-grid adoption, these initial forays are also uncovering the obstacles of smart-grid planning. In Colorado, regulators reined in Xcel Resources as the cost of the utility's US$44.8 million SmartGridCity project ballooned and concerns mounted over the exposure of ratepayers. In North Carolina, lack of participation has stunted Duke Energy's 100-household pilot project, and on a national level, the Department of Energy has sought to enact reliable smart grid data policies as consumer privacy is key to widespread support of smart-grid applications.
"These state policymakers and utilities are taking advantage of the sector's accelerators," said Munro. "They're also learning how to work around the current smart-grid inhibitors, and in the process, charting programs that will set viable models for continued technology and application expansion."
About the Report
United States Smart Grid Policy 2010: In-Depth Analysis of Ten Key States Driving Deployment presents chapters for each state that are organized uniformly, making it easy to compare and contrast the states' varying approaches to smart grid policy. The report includes:
- A "State of the State" overview and scenario summary
- Analysis of relevant legislation affecting smart grid deployment
- Description and analysis of the current regulatory situation, including recent decisions and open proceedings
- Summaries of smart grid infrastructure activities by utilities and other grid operators in the state
- A tabular breakdown of federal smart-grid funding in each state
- More than 140 primary documents tagged and linked for direct access
- A comprehensive glossary of smart-grid-related acronyms
Side-by-side with comprehensive policy profiles by state, United States Smart Grid Policy 2010: In-Depth Analysis of Ten Key States Driving Deployment features over 40 smart grid implementation profiles by utility. This includes industry leaders, PG&E, SCE, SDG&E, FP&L, National Grid, ConEdison and AEP Ohio amongst others.
For detailed information about United States Smart Grid Policy 2010: In-Depth Analysis of Ten Key States Driving Deployment, priced at $995.00, visit http://www.gtmresearch.com/report/united-states-smart-grid-policy-2010
For detailed information about GTM Research's new Smart Grid Research Annual Subscription Service, priced at $4,995.00, visit http://www.gtmresearch.com/report/smart-grid-market-research-subscription
United States Smart Grid Policy 2010: In-Depth Analysis of Ten Key States Driving Deployment is available individually or as part of Smart Grid Research Annual Subscription Service.
About GTM Research and Greentech Media
GTM Research is the market research arm of Greentech Media, providing in-depth technology, economic and market analysis for the global renewable energy and electric power industries. Greentech Media is an integrated online media company designed to deliver the highest-quality content in the industry, whether it is news, research or critical networking events. Greentech Media is headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., with operations in New York City, San Francisco and Munich. For more information, visit http://www.greentechmedia.com.
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Analyst Contact:
Stephen Munro
Tel: 202-744-8553
stephenmunro.llc@gmail.com
Sales Contact:
Tate Ishimuro
Tel: 415-777-9917
ishimuro@greentechmedia.com