Book excerpt: This comprehensive new resource demonstrates how to build smart grids utilizing the latest telecommunications technologies. Readers find practical coverage of PLC and wireless for smart grid and are given concise excerpts of the different technologies, networks, and services around it. Design and planning guidelines are shown through the combination of electricity grid and telecommunications technologies that support the reliability, performance and security requirements needed in smart grid applications. This book covers a wide range of critical topics, including telecommunications for power engineers, power engineering for telecommunications engineers, utility applications projecting in smart grids, technologies for smart grid networks, and telecommunications architecture. This practical reference is supported with in-depth case studies.