The North Carolina General Assembly recently enacted SB 900, the Studies Act of 2010, which establishes a Legislative Research Commission and provides for the studies of critical issues in North Carolina communities.
SB 900 calls for the Commission to analyze telecommunications and smart grid applications across North Carolina, as well as determine the “economic impact” of the “intersection of energy and broadband initiatives.” The inclusion of the smart grid and broadband technology in SB 900 is a positive indication that the state recognizes the array of benefits that come with widespread broadband access and smart grid technology. The installation of smart meters in North Carolina households and businesses will enable communities to manage energy use more efficiently, implement more energy-efficient building design standards and utilize teleconferencing and telehealth to reduce travel-related energy costs.
To fully take advantage of the new utilities that widespread broadband access creates, the legislation also calls for a comprehensive review of state policies that inhibit the operability of smart grid technology, to ensure that the new technologies are reaching their full potential. This is an exciting step for North Carolina towards becoming an integral part of the future of broadband technology.
For more information about the Studies Act of 2010, please click here.
