Understand the Smart Grid
Powering a brighter future for California
The Smart Grid is a modern electric system that combines advanced communications and controls. It creates a strong and responsive network that delivers your energy.
Transforming the PG&E grid to a Smart Grid can provide you with safer, more reliable, more sustainable and more flexible energy services. The change can improve the energy services you receive, and help you make informed energy decisions.
Discover the benefits of the Smart Grid. Visit Smart Grid Benefits.
Find out why the Smart Grid is necessary
We must modernize the electric grid so we can manage our energy more efficiently. The current electric grid was originally designed for the way we formerly used energy. The grid is based on one-way communication that sends energy from the source to your home with the main purpose of powering your lights and a few devices.
The current grid is also limited in how it can use clean energy sources like wind and solar power. With more people using more electronics, we need even more energy in the future. PG&E can use the Smart Grid to help us all become more energy-efficient.
Discover the SmartMeter™ Program
Learn about SmartMeter™ technology. The program makes new rates possible to save you money and build an energy-efficient future.
Understand our SmartMeter™ pricing plans
Learn about our pricing plans enabled by SmartMeter™ technology.
Discover how the Smart Grid and SmartMeter™ work together
Learn how the Smart Grid and SmartMeter™ are working together to power a brighter future.
View Smart Grid and SmartMeter™ quotes in the news
“The first installment on a smarter grid will be smarter meters.”
--Time Magazine
“The Smart Grid will empower consumers to take charge of their energy use and respond to energy waste.”
--Nobel Prize winner and former Vice President Al Gore
Read other Smart Grid resources
Download our Smart Grid annual reports: