The Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse (SGIC) portal provides information on the smart grid including demonstration projects, case studies, standards, legislation, policy and regulation, lessons learned and best practices, and research and development work.

‘Smart grid’ generally refers to a class of technology used to bring utility electricity delivery systems into the 21st century, using computer-based remote control and automation. These systems are made possible by two-way communication technology and computer processing that has been used for decades in other industries. They are beginning to be used on electricity networks, from power plants and wind farms to the consumers of electricity in homes and businesses. They offer many benefits to utilities and consumers — mostly seen in big improvements in energy efficiency on the electricity grid and in the energy users’ homes and offices.

The forum collects smart grid resources scattered around the web into one centralized location. Resources on the site can inform a community’s smart grid vision, plan, and goals for implementing smart grid technologies, provide sample standards and policies related to smart grid, and provide examples of how other communities are implementing smart grid projects.

The portal is run by Virginia Tech under funding from the US Department of Energy.

Access the Smart Grid Information Clearinghouse (SGIC) portal.