Our current electronic grid was conceived more than 100 years ago, when electricity needs were simple.
Utilities delivered energy to the consumers' home, where demand was limited to maybe a few light bulbs and possibly a radio.
This limited beginning has made it difficult for the grid to respond to the ever-changing and rising energy demands of the 21 century.
Wang Xiangdong, CEO of the Yingli Green Energy Group, says the smart grid network enables new technology and tools to work together, making all consumers into power generators.
"The smart grid enables you to generate electricity at home, individuals are all output sources, and it should be able to let you profit from s
