About the Smart Power Study Guide
Smart Power is the ideal introduction to the infrastructure, regulatory structure, and business strategy of the electric utility industry, with an emphasis on the future of the industry. In this book, author Dr. Peter Fox-Penner offers the first comprehensive overview of how the entire electric utility industry will change in response to the dual challenges of climate change and energy security. Part 1 examines the industry’s interactions with its customers. Part 2 focuses on the supply side. Part 3 centers on utilities’ ability to adjust to these challenges. In entertaining, nontechnical language, Smart Power provides the following:
- A description of the basic principles and concepts of electricity generation, transmission, and distribution
- A simple, clear explanation of the current electric grid and the smart grid
- A brief history of electricity markets and efforts to regulate (and deregulate) them
- The basic economics of the utility industry
- An overview of renewable and fossil fuel sources of power
- A discussion of energy efficiency policies and barriers
- Business models designed to optimize the promise of a smart grid and renewable energy
- An explanation of regulatory and policy issues associated with the smart grid
Smart Power can serve as a basic text in any course dealing with the electric utility industry, as well as being one of several basic texts in courses on energy policy, energy and society, and energy economics. It can also serve as a supplemental text for courses on climate policy, environmental policy, business strategy, environmental economics, or related executive education classes.
Smart Power is appropriate for use in both undergraduate- and graduate-level courses. Familiarity with basic economic concepts, energy policy, and business strategy is useful, but not necessary, for the use of this text. Smart Power presents complex industry concepts in accessible language and provides enough background knowledge for all students to comprehend and discuss the issues it covers. Smart Power’s critical treatment of multidisciplinary issues introduces challenging debate topics and thought-provoking analysis of real-world issues.
To increase classroom value, Dr. Fox-Penner and colleagues (Dr. Guillermo Sabbioni Perez and Heidi Bishop) have developed a topic-specific study guide and supplemental materials for both students and instructors. Because the book is useful as a text in several different course types, three “Study Paths” have been established:
Path 1: Energy Policy Courses: Chapters 1-13.
Path 2: Environmental or Climate Studies Courses: Chapters 1, 4, and 8-10.
Path 3: Business Strategy and Economics Courses: Chapters 1-2, 4-6, and 8-13.
Given its engaging and entertaining style, the entire Smart Power text is accessible to students on all of the study paths. However, students should expect the materials on their own study path to be assigned as topics for research papers and to be covered in exams and class discussions.
The online resources featured in this guide include the following:
1. Lists of key terms from each chapter
2. A short summary of each chapter focusing on the key concepts
3. Listings of online resources for further study or investigation
1. The author’s PowerPoint slide library for classroom presentation
2. Graphics from the book for classroom presentation
3. Research, discussion, and exam questions with answers
Throughout this study guide, look for path markers to highlight sections related to your area of specialization or study.
Note: The authors were assisted by Professor Tim Brennan of Resources for the Future and the University of Maryland. Editorial and support assistance provided by Marianne Gray. All opinions expressed and errors are strictly those of the authors and not the advisors, The Brattle Group, Island Press, or any other organization.
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