Automating the power grid: Real-time communication between customers, the electricity grid, and power plants can cut costs for both supplier and user; the technology options are many

The benefits that would accrue from real-time monitoring and control of the distribution system are listed. The communication techniques that have been investigated for this purpose are seen as falling into four groups: physically connected media, including wire lines, coaxial cable, and fiber-optic cable; power-line media, including distribution-line carrier communication and power-frequency communications; electromagnetic propagation media, including UHF/VHF radio, AM/VHF radio, and spread-spectrum satellite radio; and common-carrier media, primarily telephone company lines. The advantages and disadvantages of each of these techniques are discussed. To illustrate the various factors involved, the author discusses the automation of the Colorado Springs Department of Utilities.