There has been much talk about a smart power grid and smart transmission of power in this country. What I think they are talking about is the decentralization of the power grid. So much of our power is lost during transmission. 50% is most cases. If we can decentralize the grid, then we should be able to regain some if not most of the transmission losses.

The homeowner can play a substantial role in this process. For every solar panel we install, for every geothermal system, for every step we take to reduce the loads on the grid and increase our production, we are decentralizing the power grid.

A stimulus geared to educate the public and fund individual projects may go a long way toward relieving the problems of centralized power production.

The smart in smart power grid doesn't exactly mean that its the wisest choice. A smart grid is one that communicates and works bi-directionally, allowing the home or business to communicate with the system as much as the system sends information and power to them.

I agree that decentralized power production and distribution could be key, but first we must have the infrastructure to allow for this.

I do my part to aid in decentralization with my solar panels and solar hot water,. I am reducing my load on the system and actually there are times when I am putting power into the system. Unfortunately it isn't as profitable as it should be. When you pay for power you pay for both the power you use as well as a transmission charge. In some locals you actually pay as much or more for transmission as you do the power itself. Now when you sell power back all you make is the power itself. The system needs improving.

I agree that home energy production aids in decentralization, but so long as the overall grid focuses on large centralized production, we will have those great transmission losses.