An elevator explanation of the Smart Grid is simply a communications system overlay on the existing electrical grid to make the electrical grid more controllable and much more efficient in the delivery of energy. The communications systems would be connected to strategically placed sensors throughout all four segments of the electrical grid – Generation, Transmission, Distribution and Consumers.  That said, there are a number of ways to overlay or integrate a highly reliable communications network with the existing electrical grid to achieve the efficiency and control targets that are envisioned. The Smart Grid is dependent on Service Oriented Networks (SON) for its functionality.

During this session, discussion will be held on the Smart Grid and its relationship to SON.