Who'll Pay for the Smart Grid?

A consumer advocate wonders who will pay for a smart electrical grid.

The executive director of the Illinois consumer watchdog Citizens Utility Board, David Kolata, writes on SouthtownStar.com:

President-elect Obama favors development of a "smart grid," but big questions remain about how it gets built and who foots the bill. The big utilities are all-too-eager to slap consumers with the costs before we see any of the energy-saving improvements. We're fighting them on that front but need federal policies to help protect consumers.