![Print Print](https://www.e-education.psu.edu/egee401/sites/all/modules/print/icons/print_icon.png)
Smart Grid
We have discussed distributed energy that relates to the physical nature of the grid- its geographic expanse and where power is generated relative to the user. But these grids, be they the large national scale or microgrids and distributed energy, need to be able to “think and make decisions” in order to optimize power generation and distribution. We refer to this as a “smart grid.”
![Map of evening glow of electric lights in North and Central America](/egee401/sites/www.e-education.psu.edu.egee401/files/Lesson_05/Images/smart%20grid.jpg)
Earth at Night
Required Reading and Video
Watch the short video and read the page found at https://www.smartgrid.gov/the_smart_grid/smart_grid.html This website is managed by the U.S. Department of Energy and has a good overview of what we mean by smart grid.