GridWise provides a higher level of end-to-end productivity, security and reliability within the electric system as well as empowering customers and creating a more informed decision-making environment.

With GridWise, technologies are fully leveraged to make the energy system more efficient. GridWise allows a richer, more relevant information stream to flow through an integrated network so that resources can be better managed to reduce peak demands, outages, crises and market fluctuations. Improved asset utilization presents the possibility of deferring and even eliminating expensive infrastructure investments. This reduces risk and offers a potential savings of tens of billions of dollars over the next decade. With GridWise, everyone benefits - consumers receive fair, affordable rates and a higher quality of service, the system operates with maximum efficiency, and businesses thrive.

Utilizing new and existing technologies, GridWise delivers real-time information via a robust, integrated network. Access to this continuous information stream enables immediate detection and reaction to system changes, creates a more informed decision-making environment, and increases security and reliability for all involved. With GridWise in place, participants in the energy market can receive the full benefits of Information Technology-driven productivity gains similar to those enjoyed by other industries in recent years.

An equitable market environment filled with new business opportunities is integral to the success of GridWise. In the dynamically collaborative GridWise system, everyone has access to the same real-time information while an arrangement of checks and balances automatically monitors activities and enforcement agencies are able to oversee all system activities in a transparent manner. The criteria to detect certain types of activities or transactions can also be established at an individual or global level, thus facilitating new ways of doing business and enabling the development of new products and services.

With an energy system that is accessible and information-rich, consumers can become active participants. GridWise encourages consumers to better control their power use, to seek out new products and services that are more economical and environmentally friendly, and to "buy" electricity when it is the most cost-effective. All of this enables a more efficient use of electric system assets, which leads to lower rates and a higher quality of service.

GridWise helps achieve a number of direct and indirect environmental benefits by promoting and seamlessly incorporating all types and sizes of distributed generation facilities and renewable energy sources. The ability to increase energy use from renewable sources means less combustion and fewer emissions from natural gas. In addition, via the proximity of distributed generation to its customers, GridWise allows the waste heat from distributed generation to be readily utilized.

Once embraced, GridWise allows service providers to offer their customers an array of customized energy services ranging from procurement to total system management solutions, and empowers their customers to make smart energy choices based on whatever criteria they deem important including price, ease of use, energy per unit of production and environmental impact.