Whether utilities are operating in a slow economy or coping with exploding population growth, building a smart grid remains a profound economic dilemma, according to executives.

The benefits of smart grid – such as distributed generation, increased access to data, load-shedding and more efficient energy – have been well documented. But this technology is incredibly expensive for utilities, especially in the U.S. and its still-weak economy.

Still, utilities cannot ignore the customer benefits. "People don't care about electricity," said Susan Story, President and CEO of Southern Company Services, "they care about what electricity does for their lifestyle."