FCC broadband workshop highlights energy and environmental benefits
On August 25, the FCC held a National Broadband Plan workshop focused on broadband and the potentially transformative role that communications infrastructure could play in meeting our national energy, environmental, and transportation goals.
Eric Lightner, the Director of the Federal Smart Grid Task Force at the Department of Energy, defined the smart grid as "an enabling platform that integrates the latest digital and information technologies into the nation's electric delivery network for enhanced operational intelligence and connectivity throughout all application areas."
Lightner reported that broadband accelerates building a smart grid infrastructure in many ways:
- Links smart meter networks to utility control centers for home energy monitoring applications.
- Provides an integrated broadband/smart grid infrastructure to facilitate connectivity for multiple services and applications
- Offers smart grid monitoring and management capabilities by linking all sensors, controls, and devices on transmission and distribution grid
- Makes possible middle-mile connectivity to all localities to enable nationwide, interoperable communications and control of the nation's electricity system
- Maintains high speed/capacity needed for robust cyber security measures
Investing in our nation's broadband expansion will directly assist our energy and environmental goals as we move forward. Read more about how broadband will benefit our energy and environmental efforts here.
The FCC workshops will continue through early September. Keep up-to-date as the National Broadband Plan is solidified by signing up for our email updates now.
The Smart Grid, Broadband and Climate Change (The Benton Foundation)
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