A Smart Grid for a Strong Energy Future

The way we receive and use electricity has changed dramatically over the years, especially with the evolution of “smart” technology. However, much of Michigan’s electric infrastructure is still based on technology that is 20 or 30 years old. We cannot continue to rely on technology from the past to produce and deliver the electricity we need to power our energy future.

Michigan needs a smart grid that uses 21^st century technology to enhance our electric infrastructure so it is more resilient, secure, and efficient, now and for generations to come.

Smart Meters, Smarter Decisions

Infrastructure updates at every step of the energy delivery process—production, transmission, and consumption—are all necessary to help build a smarter grid.

But one of the most visible and rapidly advancing developments at the consumer level is Advanced Metering Infrastructure, also known as smart meters. With nearly 3 million new units added to Michigan’s electric grid from 2010 – 2015, smart meters are quickly becoming an integral part of a smart electric grid to support Michigan homes and businesses.

The Benefits of a Smart Grid

A smart grid is vital to a stronger, more sustainable, and more efficient energy future, enabling us to:

Integrate renewable energy in a fair, cost-effective way
[Image/Icon: Earth with recycling icon/wind turbine with solar array]
Give consumers greater insight into and control over their energy use
[Image/Icon: Energy bill with different pie charts, etc./a smart meter on a home]
Allow energy providers to better pinpoint energy issues, improving response times during power disruptions
[Image/Icon: Storm cloud/lightning bolt/downed power line with “smart tech” communicating with power plant]
Increase our energy efficiency, making our grid more resilient
[Image/Icon: Something similar to one of these: https://thenounproject.com/term/energy-efficient/16313/]
Ensure safe and reliable energy for all Michiganders
[Image/Icon: Family/household/lightning bolt in hand icon from above link]

We must invest in updating Michigan’s electrical infrastructure to equip Michigan with a 21^st century grid that we can rely on now and in the future.

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