Investment in smart grid improvements (such as smart metering, outage management and distribution management systems) by utilities companies in the US could have enabled Hurricane Sandy to be handled more effectively. Outages could have been discovered quicker, their locations identified more easily and repair crews assigned more efficiently had these enhancements been in place.
Although the initial costs of installing smart grid technology are high, these are quickly outweighed by the long term benefits that smart grids can bring; such as lower power restoration costs and faster power recovery.
Source:
http://smartmeter.opusenergy.com/latest-news/smart-meter-industry-news/opus-energy-summary-smart-grid-could-have-sped-up-hurricane-sandy-recovery/
