The 131, 000-home smart grid test it is runnning in Illinois will offer customers a variety of dynamic pricing options, with the goal of understanding which options customers feel most comfortable with.

FORBES: Energy

To be sure, some infrastructure projects might pass that cost-benefit test (perhaps electric grid modernization, or unclogging strategic rail bottlenecks).

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The U.S. Department of Energy has approved billions of dollars to technology developers such as Silver Spring and a bunch of utilities to test and deploy smart grid technologies across the country.

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The MIT Sloan School of Management introduced its "competency model" in 2000, creating a four-zone grid that measures demonstrated success, such as test scores and standout work experience, and personal attributes, such as relationship-building skills and sensitivity to others.

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