Solar panels glimmer from millions of rooftops around the world, providing power more efficiently and cheaply than ever before. Energy storage systems are becoming commonplace, feeding on excess solar power then releasing it when the sun goes down or when grid electricity rates are high. Sensors and communication technology throughout the grid allows for intelligent and immediate response to demand and supply fluctuations. Smart meters provide unprecedented access to energy use data. It is tempting to think that this evolution in the power sector is driven by technological innovation but with a closer look you might see that the technology is actually reacting to the consumers’ evolving power demands. These demands are not merely increases in consumption, nor are they simply driven by environmental responsibility, although those are important factors. Mirroring wider trends seen across modern society, the power consumer now demands much greater flexibility, visibility and control over their power provision. Like the nuclear, […]