When people flick a light switch, they expect the light to turn on. And supplying enough electricity to meet that expectation in a climate-friendly, cost-efficient way is a major challenge, which led to the invention of the smart grid—an electrical grid where suppliers also receive data back from customers to help them distribute electricity and avoid power outages. But as promising as this technology seems, there are also some aspects of smart grids that are worth discussing to ensure they don’t become issues, such as cybersecurity and integrating decentralized renewable energy. Today, we explore some of these smart grid dilemmas and consider how to ensure smart grids live up to their full potential. With special guest Dr. Ankit Kumar: Lecturer in Development and Environment at The University of Sheffield.
The Sweaty Penguin is presented by Peril and Promise: a public media initiative from The WNET Group in New York, reporting on the issues and solutions around climate change. You can learn more at pbs.org/perilandpromise.
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CREDITS
Writers: Caroline Koehl, Maddy Schmidt, Ethan Brown
Fact Checker: Isabel Plower
Editor: Frank Hernandez
Producers: Olivia Amitay, Ethan Brown, Megan Crimmins, Shannon Damiano, Frank Hernandez, Dain Kim, Caroline Koehl
Ad Voiceover: Robert Branning
Music: Brett Sawka