Building automation: Smart buildings meet the smart grid

The US administration is providing around $4 billion in funding for Smart Grid demonstration and deployment under the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act. The Smart Grid concept involves developing a more intelligent and integrated electrical transmission infrastructure, including the use of smart two-way meters, connections of regional grids, and new grid management tools. Some people compare the Smart Grid concept to the Internet, describing it as a decentralized model for delivering power and services that allow the deployment of renewable power and electric vehicles. Part of the concept is to be able to better manage and control loads on the electrical grid. A Smart Grid concept, called real-time pricing (RTP) is most essential for buildings, as works similar to demand response, allowing better balancing between supply and demand.