the future of the utility industry will be defined by how its leaders can transform the grid from a “ passive ” network of cables , wires , poles , and other hardware to a self - aware and fully controllable grid system — an intelligent grid system . we will discuss a novel set of design guidelines for utilities to build their own open intelligent grid system with the lowest possible risk and cost , while achieving the architectural criteria , technical features and functions required . we will discuss how to avoid the dead ends to which limited design and architecture can lead , and we will lay out the design solutions that will overcome the business and technical challenges posed by an array of technology products and business imperatives . using igin , one can integrate or connect hybrid networks for different purposes , such as power electric industry , telecommunication , computer network , and internet .