Electric utilities expert witnesses may opine on high voltage lines, public utilities, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and more. In 2009 The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act allocated $4.5 billion to the Department of Energy’s Office of Electricity Delivery and Energy Reliability. These “Smart Grid” funds are to be used to develop a nationwide plan to modernize the electric grid, enhance security of U.S. energy infrastructure and ensure reliable electricity delivery to meet growing demand.
In 2010 The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) initiated a rulemaking (R.08.-12-009) to consider policies for California investor-owned electric utilities to develop a smarter electric grid in the state. The proceeding will consider setting policies, standards and protocols to guide the development of a smart grid system and facilitate integration of new technologies such as distributed generation, storage, demand-side technologies, and electric vehicles.
Read more: ferc.gov.