[dreamcompiler]

The original vision of the Smart Grid (by competent engineers at EPRI and elsewhere) was to ensure better reliability, resilience, and efficiency of the grid under a mix of new generation, transmission, and distribution technologies. Unfortunately--as often happens--managers took the buzzword and changed its meaning to "A Good Way for Us to Make More Money by Throwing Smart Meters on Every House." Any thought about increased reliability and resilience went out the window.

The Smart Grid can still deliver on its original promise of a dependable, bidirectional electricity generation and delivery system. But in order for it to do so we're going to have to get rid of all the decision makers who only care about squeezing short-term profit out of the idea. It's going to require thoughtful, long-term investment.