Utilities: Getting Smart

Dominion's push to accelerate implementation of smart-grid technology is a welcome development for both consumers and the environment. A more intelligent metering system should increase efficiency, thereby lowering bills and reducing emissions. Homeowners and businesses probably will not notice any difference -- the power company isn't going to shut off your reading lamp, for instance. If anything, the grid will improve reliability, because (among other things) it will enable the system to know when your power's out before you pick up the phone to report a problem.

The accelerated schedule does prompt a couple of questions, however. First, Dominion is seeking federal stimulus money to help pay for the installation of the meters. We missed the clause in the Constitution that authorizes the federal government to pay for local utility upgrades. Given that Dominion's expenses are built into the rate structure approved by the State Corporation Commission, it's hard to see why Dominion needs federal dough.

There are also some legitimate concerns to be raised regarding system integrity. At a recent cybersecurity conference out west, a consultant showed how smart grids might be vulnerable to hackers who could seize control of parts of the network and cause blackouts.

By the time knowledge about such possibilities percolates down to the public level, odds are good that Dominion already has addressed them. On the other hand, assuming everything's fine is an invitation to mischief. Dominion is working to keep its networks secure, but it wouldn't hurt to reassure customers that a neighborhood troublemaker won't be able to switch off the lights from the local wi-fi café. We'd hate to see a good idea like smart-grid technology tarnished by a dumb mistake.