  The smart grid vision is to revitalize the electric power network by
leveraging the proven sensing, communication, control, and machine learning
technologies to address pressing issues related to security, stability,
environmental impact, market diversity, and novel power technologies.
Significant effort and investment have been committed to architect the
necessary infrastructure by installing advanced metering systems and
establishing data communication networks throughout the grid. Signal processing
methodologies are expected to play a major role in this context by providing
intelligent algorithms that fully exploit such pervasive sensing and control
capabilities to realize the vision and manifold anticipated benefits of the
smart grid. In this feature article, analytical background and relevance of
signal processing tools to power systems are delineated, while introducing
major challenges and opportunities for the future grid engineering. From grid
informatics to inference for monitoring and optimization tools, energy-related
issues are shown to offer a fertile ground for signal processing growth whose
time has come.
