[HollyB]

http://www.nytimes.com/cwire/2011/05/19/19climatewire-testing-8-different-scenarios-for-a-future-p-51553.html

What do you make of the above article, do you think they are related?

[Smokin' Joe]

That appears to be a multi-scenario modeling program to try to anticipate future grid development and integration of new generation facillities with existing grid infrastructure while better integtrating existing systems.

That needs to be done, especially in light of all the subsidized alternative energy projects out there which just aren't reliable to maintain continued output over time (wind, solar, etc.)

If those are going to be integrated into the grid, the grid is going to need to be modified to carry not only that power, but any compensatory power to fill in the gaps when those systems underperform.

What the Times article describes is more the equivalent of 'wargaming' scenarios in order to be able to plan future development.

Yes, more malevolent things could be written in, but this may well be benign.