But each bridge owner must weigh the costs and benefits of including high-tech sensor arrays.

CNN: Is this the 'safest bridge in America?'

One ray of hope for states seeking to bridge their health care funding gaps: Unlike pension benefits, which are often constitutionally guaranteed, states have considerable leeway in adjusting medical benefits and thus the ability to reduce the liability side of the equation.

FORBES: Debt Crisis

For now, though, Crane recognizes that Nest's scheme can provide benefits in the short term, as well as a bridge to a new era where his electrical grid might be as social as Facebook is.

CNN: Nest's plan to stop brownouts before they start

"My worry is that the changes to housing and welfare benefits will result in some people turning to crime in order to bridge the shortfall caused by reductions in the sums they will receive, " he said.

BBC: PCC Stephen Bett fears welfare changes will cause crime