The Pacific Northwest National Lab in Richland is running a Smart Grid simulation and implementiing it on their campus and also in Spokane’s Eco District in conjunction with Avista, the electrical utility there.
In general, the ability to coordinate between the consumer’s needs and ability to provide power with distributed generation and storage, and the utilities needs and costs on the variable wholesale power market, will make the grid more efficient, cleaner, and less expensive for everyone. The study is linked below, and we view this progress as key to allowing individuals to maximize their economic returns from installing solar while having the greatest possible reduction of carbon emissions and other pollution.
PNNL Researchers are estimating consumer savings nationally as $50 Billion per year, and reducing energy output equivalent to 180 coal fired power plants. What a gross disgusting waste and what a tremendous opportunity for improvement – let’s do it!
We are hopeful for progress along these lines, especially in conjunction with Electric Vehicles. In the meanwhile, the best thing you can do is to install a grid-tied pv system on your home or business today. That will save you money now, and give your home the foundation to take best advantage of whatever energy policies are coming our way.
https://www.pnnl.gov/news-media/how-smart-electric-grid-will-power-our-future
9.8 KW Sunpower PV Array, Port Hadlock, WA, Jefferson PUD Grid, Sept 2021