The electrical grid transformation to the Smart Grid puts tremendous reliance on wired and wireless networks to deliver situational awareness of grid operations. These communications networks enhance and optimize utility management of grid operations, as demonstrated by reduced service disruption times via automated outage reporting by smart meters or voltage conservation programs that reduce operating costs.
As utilities add networks for smart meters and embed sensors and actuators in distribution and transmission lines and equipment, they acquire multiple element management systems for each new network.
Source:
http://smartgrid.testing-blog.com/2013/01/23/will-utilities-heed-lessons-learned-from-the-telecom-sector-heres-one-promising-sign/#more-29632
