Case Study Questions and Answers

Case Study Questions and Answers

MGMT - 305

American InterContinental University

July 29, 2012

Abstract

This paper will cover case study questions and answers

Case Study Questions and Answers

Consumers within the United States are supplied power through a grid that does not show information on how the consumer is using the energy, which makes it hard to developing new efficient ways of distributing power. This way of supplying power does not effectively handle power from alternative energy sources and is considered to be outdated and inefficient. Smart grids digitally deliver electricity from suppliers to consumers, saving energy. Information gathered from smart grids show utilities when to raise prices, when demand is high and then lower prices when the demand decreases (What's the Buzz on Smart Grids, 2012).

Smart grids can quickly detect power outages. They can also lead up to a fifteen percent decrease in energy consumption. Energy companies and consumers can have a hard time making good decisions when it comes using energy wisely without useful information. When developing a smart grid there are things that need to be considered. In management information is crucial. This feedback allows consumers to see how much energy they use and how much it is costing them at any time, which allows them to make better decisions about using appliances that can in turn lower their electric bill. Dashboard monitoring software needs to be easy for consumers to use and understand. (What's the Buzz on Smart Grids, 2012).

Organizations have budgets and profits that can impact a consumer when it comes to reducing their energy consumption. Along with assistance from the federal government implementation costs can be extremely high. Without proper structure implementation an adverse reaction can grow against energy companies. With technology there are networks and switches for power management. Energy use and distribution trends are tracked by sensors and monitoring devices, which provide energy to suppliers and consumers with data usage and communication systems that relay data along the entire energy supply system. These systems are linked to programmable appliances to run them when energy is least costly. But, all are expensive and time consuming to retrofit into all the homes across the United States. (What's the Buzz on Smart Grids, 2012).

There are some challenges in developing the smart grid. The nation would have to retrofit the entire electric grid infrastructure, which is very costly. Two-way meters allowing information to flow to and from homes and businesses would have to be installed. The new technology may be intrusive along with loss of privacy. But, there are some areas that could benefit from smart grid system. Homes and businesses would be able to monitor water usage, such as sprinkler use during the heat of the day or based on predetermined schedules. (What's the Buzz on Smart Grids, 2012).

I would like to have my home have the new smart grid technology due to the savings in energy costs and increased reliability although I may not be so keen at first on the startup cost associated with the start up cost of doing do, such as installation, maintenance, etc. However,