Approximately 200,000 people in Maryland were left without power in wake of hurricane Sandy on Oct.30 2012.Three days later only 700 houses were still left without power.Jeannette M.Mills at Baltimore Gas and Electricity observed that the quick restoration was partially made possible by smart meters and smart grid,made of two-way communications systems,smart meters and sensors,similar to shift from analog to digital system in cable services.Smart meters pinpoint precise locations of meters to electricity service sources through digital communication,thus saving time,dollars and wasteful service rounds to locations where power has been already restored.
Source:
http://smartgrid.testing-blog.com/2012/11/27/smart-grid-needs-more-solar-power/#more-28006
