With the recent controversy over whether or not those lucky recipients awarded funding for the smart grid movement are really that “lucky,” in that they may wind up paying taxes on the large chunks of dough, it seemed as if the smart grid space was not as stable as one would have thought – or at least hoped. 

And now, a New York Times article about the struggle many utilities around the world are facing trying to comprehend and deploy efficient technology for electrical grids, only solidifies that fact. 

Microsoft (News - Alert) conducted a survey of roughly 200 utility professional from all parts of the world, which concluded that only 8 percent of survey participants have finished rolling out smart meters and other equipment under the banner of “smart grid.”

Additionally, the data shows that only 37 percent of utilities are currently working on relevant projects, and more than half have done little to nothing to transition operations to an energy efficient plan. 

The biggest concern, I feel, with these findings is that organizations and the United States seem to think the smart grid movement may be evolving at a faster pace than it actually is. 

So, what is with the delay?

According to Microsoft’s report, many survey participants noted high barriers to entry when it comes to rolling out smart meters and making transmission systems more efficient. Not surprising either, many of them cited financial and regulatory challenges in particular as major roadblocks.

Well, let’s just hope all these speed bumps can be sorted out sooner rather than later.