The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 directed the Federal Communications Commission to develop a National Broadband Plan. To help develop that plan, the FCC has requested comment on how advanced telecommunications services and infrastructure, and broadband in particular, can help implement Smart Grid technology.

In its request, the Commission recognizes Smart Grid as a way to use broadband and other advanced communications to promote energy efficiency, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and encourage energy independence. The Commission seeks to advance those goals through a better understanding of the benefits and limitations of existing services and networks on the adoption of Smart Grid technology.

The Commission issued the request in a Public Notice released on September 4, 2009. Specific comment is sought regarding which technologies are suitable for Smart Grid application, whether current networks are adequate for deploying Smart Grid, availability of existing communication networks and spectrum, the types of data to be communicated for the Smart Grid, and use of real-time data in Smart Grid applications.

Comments are due to the Commission by October 2, 2009.