Mapping Out a Smarter Grid

The $787 billion American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 includes a sizeable chunk for smart grid projects. While most applications seeking smart grid stimulus funds will likely focus on backbone technologies like two-way communications and advanced meter infrastructure, one could argue the money might be better spent investing in a geographic information system (GIS).

GIS, which stores, edits, analyzes, shares, and displays spatial data - such as maps - easily integrates with other programs.

Tommy Maloney, senior project developer for Davey Resource Group, recommends that utilities take advantage of the power of GIS by acquiring the most accurate data possible through system inspections, including vegetation and distribution information.

Read the whole article in Rural Electric Magazine.