The US transmission system needs an upgrade. A lack of attention in recent years has left the network unprepared to cope with the change that is likely to begin working its way through the US energy sector over the next five years: growing power consumption coupled with a new focus on energy efficiency and the environment.

The new US government, with backing from power sector regulators, has therefore championed the idea of the smart grid, setting aside $11 billion (£7.6 billion) in its recent