Another aspect of “the new network”: a discussion of the utility of the future at the Clean Energy Venture Summit in Austin suggested that we’ll see an Internet for energy distribution, a network of energy networks wherein outlets and devices are “smart” and addressable. The Smart Grid is already in development, as well as microenergy technologies that will augment (and ultimately feed back into) the energy grid. As Jamais Cascio wrote in 2006, “…by decentralizing power generation and adding digital intelligence to the power network, we can build an energy infrastructure that’s more flexible, better able to take advantage of renewable energy technologies, and more resilient in times of crisis.”

While critical mass is gathering in support of the evolution of smart grid technologies and standards, panelists at the Clean Energy Venture Summit acknowledged the substantial work (and politics) required to move from fragmented legacy systems to an integrated, intelligent energy network. One prescription: analyze existing policy and remove legal and regulatory barriers to innovation.