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A case study on a distribution grid automation pilot project in the Tallo Nallu load centre of Nepal, implemented by the Nepal Energy Foundation to improve power reliability and fault detection in rural distribution systems.

This briefing by the Environmental and Energy Study Institute examines the 'digital divide' in the United States, focusing on the disparities in broadband access between urban, rural, and tribal communities. It details the various technologies used for delivery, the socioeconomic and geographic barriers to expansion, and the critical role of high-speed internet in enabling energy efficiency, precision agriculture, and a transition to a clean energy economy. The document also reviews federal funding mechanisms and the efforts of municipal governments and electric cooperatives to bridge the gap.

This briefing explores how blockchain technology can enhance the cybersecurity of the electrical grid, particularly as the proliferation of Internet-connected devices increases vulnerabilities. It details the inherent security features of blockchains, their application in mitigating IoT and data communication risks, and the emerging challenge of cryptographic key mismanagement.

This report by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) proposes a transformative energy strategy for China termed "Reinventing Fire." The authors argue that China can decouple economic growth from fossil fuel dependence by focusing on three "gamechangers": oil-free mobility, integrative design for radical efficiency in buildings and industry, and a redefined, more distributed electric grid.

This research paper by RMI explores the transition of the U.S. electricity sector from a traditional value chain to a 'value constellation' at the distribution edge. It examines how the rise of distributed energy resources (DERs) challenges existing utility business models and proposes new regulatory and economic frameworks to better integrate these resources for improved system efficiency, resilience, and reliability.

This report by the Climate Policy Initiative argues that Europe's current power market designs are insufficient to support the transition to a low-carbon energy system and the goals of a smart grid. It advocates for a transition from zonal pricing and market coupling toward an integrated power market based on locational marginal pricing (nodal pricing), citing the US experience as a successful model for managing transmission constraints and integrating intermittent renewable energy.

This report argues that electric utilities must shift from a traditional model of managing uncontrollable demand with large 'baseload' plants to a new paradigm using a diversified portfolio of smaller, variable resources, including energy efficiency and renewables, to maintain reliability and cost-effectiveness.

The Smart Garage Charrette Report, published by Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) in December 2008, outlines a vision for integrating electrified vehicles (xEVs), net-zero buildings, and a smart renewable grid. Based on a design workshop (charrette) involving 80 experts from 25 organizations, the report identifies a near-term path toward 'V1G' (smart one-way charging) as a faster, less complex first step than 'V2G' (bi-directional charging). It details the ecosystem's stakeholders—automakers, utilities, charging providers, connectors, and consumers—and proposes specific projects to overcome critical barriers such as uncertain consumer demand, high battery costs, and fragmented utility regulation.

This report examines the need for U.S. electric utility business models and regulatory frameworks to evolve to support a high-penetration renewable energy future. It proposes a spectrum of utility roles—ranging from minimal involvement to becoming comprehensive energy services providers—and suggests shifting from traditional cost-of-service regulation toward performance-based models like the UK's RIIO to align utility incentives with societal climate and efficiency goals.

This Request for Quotation (RFQ) issued by GreenCape seeks a service provider to develop a practical implementation plan for a "smart grid" in Cape Town. The goal is to transition the City of Cape Town's energy department to a service-centric energy model based on information communication technology (ICT) to address revenue challenges and improve energy resilience.

This briefing by the Prairie Climate Centre examines strategies to enhance the climate resilience of urban electricity and information and communication technology (ICT) infrastructure, with a particular focus on Alberta, Canada. It advocates for the adoption of robustness, redundancy, and resourcefulness to mitigate risks from extreme weather and long-term climate trends.

This report details a project led by WattTime.org and RMI to catalyze the market for Automated Emissions Reduction (AER), a software-based technology that modulates the electricity consumption of internet-connected devices based on real-time grid emissions data. The project included a pilot deployment in Chicago and a stakeholder workshop (charrette) to identify value propositions and scaling strategies for residential and institutional customers, utilities, and policymakers.

This briefing by the Rocky Mountain Institute (RMI) outlines 17 federal energy policy goals designed to reduce U.S. oil use and greenhouse gas emissions by 50% each within 10 years. The strategy prioritizes reducing energy demand through efficiency in buildings, transport, and industry before substituting supply with renewables and a 'Smart Grid'. RMI estimates these goals could create over three million jobs by 2012.