Smart Grid represents a vision for a digital upgrade of distribution and long distance transmission grids to both optimize current operations, as well as open up new markets for alternative energy production. In the US, one-half of our generation capacity is unused, one-half our long distance transmission network capacity is unused, and two-thirds of our local distribution is unused. Robust two-way communications, advanced wireless sensors, and distributed computing technology will improve the efficiency, reliability, and safety of power delivery and use.

Dust Networks is at the forefront of technology development aimed at increasing the efficiency and reliability of the nation's electricity generation and distribution infrastructure.

For example, today's modern power plants require sophisticated monitoring and control systems to operate at peak efficiency. In this example, a 500-megawatt gas turbine facility was operating in Connecticut, part of Milford Power's generation capacity. The plant staff used Emerson's SmartWireless monitoring to further optimize the plant's operational efficiency, as well as monitor systems in remote locations previously not monitored at all.

By using wireless sensor networking technology in their units and plant systems, plant managers can better understand how to optimize these critical assets, where even small changes can result in major cost of electricity production savings.