In Germany, more power from alternative and decentralized power sources reach the grid. This presents energy providers and network operators with various challenges. Due to the turnaround in energy policy in Germany, the distribution network has to balance supply and demand without a notable loss of comfort for single households. It is being tested in different pilot projects to see how a smart grid can cope with these demands. "The pressure to find decentralized solutions further increases," says Dr Matthias von Bechtolsheim from Arthur D. Little. “We are currently developing a range of intelligent decentralized energy supply concepts.”