In a country as large as the US deploying a national smart grid had to start somewhere.  Why not Boulder Colorado which is somewhat centrally located?  Xcel Energy has officially announced the city is online after a conversion of numerous switching stations and transformers.   This is a good start and it seems the best benefit is prediction of failures rather than massive redirection of power.   Smart sensors are monitored and fluctuations are detected by the companies specially designed software.   This provides the utility company a better early warning system so they can be proactive and avoid service interruptions.   The overall implementation helps reduce demand and distribute power where needed.  Read the press release and get more links to partner companies here. A number of competitors have smart grid technology but Xcel has the claim this is the first complete city to get smart.  Xcel Energy has the ability to scale. More projects and development are ongoing.  Xcel Energy.