The necessary expansion of power supply for the feed-in of renewable energies brings energy supply and information and communication technologies closer together: power grids are being converted into intelligent energy information networks. Not only energy will be transported through them in the future, but also data on consumption and availability.

As the increase in renewable energies will cause larger fluctuations of supply and demand, greater awareness of the sustainable use of resources must be created among energy consumers. In Smart Cities, households and energy suppliers transparently exchange data, thus promoting a conscious consumption of electricity, which not only contributes to a more balanced use of resources, but to a sustainable improvement in the carbon footprint as well.

On the basis of the reduction of energy consumption, as well as the development and construction of the energy network, structures are created that last for a long time and are characterized by their ability to adapt to changing circumstances. Like the new communication networks, this energy infrastructure will no longer be statically geared towards one type of supply. This creates a dynamic in the Smart City that is set to produce the highest possible degree of efficiency and thus sustainability.

The promotion of alternative energy supply systems and the regionalization of energy production creates greater competition. This allows greater independence for many consumers and might lead to significant cost savings. Private households have the opportunity to become energy producers by feeding surplus electricity they generate into the intelligent, Europe-wide interconnected power grid. As with communications, the energy sector is thus experiencing an evolutionary boost through the direct involvement of citizens and regional companies.