One challenge would involve creating a magnetic head that could hover over those dots, read their signal and write new data onto the grid.

FORBES: Magazine Article

The deal may signal the start of a smart-grid buying spree for cash-equipped conglomerates like Toshiba eager to tap the vast capital outlays expected from electric utilities over the next decade.

FORBES: Toshiba Buys Smart-Grid Pioneer

Cirrus Logic produces high precision analog and mixed signal semiconductors for use in smart phones and smart grid components.

FORBES: Cirrus Takes Cramer Tout To New High

Their first test in October 2007 was a success: An all-electric car plugged in at the University of Delaware and rigged with communication software responded to a signal from PJM for a sudden burst of power to help balance supply and demand on the grid.

FORBES: Magazine Article

If the price signal is right, people who own generating devices can make economic decisions to take part in the grid.

FORBES: Distributed Generation: Key Part of Our Energy Future - Phil Harris