Repairing roads, bridges, the electricity grid and other infrastructure (including flood protection) will be costly, but should at least boost the economy later.

ECONOMIST: The floods in Pakistan

For more than ten years, NARUC has addressed critical issues arising from advanced metering and smart grid deployments, including ratemaking, reliability, cyber security, consumer education, consumer protection, and privacy.

WHITEHOUSE: Energy and Environment Latest News | The White House

The smart grid projects that were a part of our energy efficient future somehow have been recast as consumer protection issues.

FORBES: How The Smart Grid Fell From Grace And What To Do About It