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The Smart Grid is a container of the most modern and evolutionary changes in the power system as a consequence of the advent and adoption of new technologies that progressively add new capabilities to the grid and help it to become a more efficient system. Indeed, the Smart Grid is neither a novel nor a static concept; however, it is bound to be disruptive from the perspective of the achievement of its objectives.

The objectives of the Smart Grid have been broad and ambitious since its inception, decades ago. These objectives have been stimulated and become achievable due to the advances in electric grid technologies and the applicability of Information and Communication Technologies (ICTs) to the grid. With regard to the former, there are new technologies that can be added to the different segments of the grid and change the traditional electricity delivery model (e.g., Distributed Energy Resources [DER]). As per the latter, continuous ICTs' innovations have permeated all industries and the Society as a whole, paving the way toward a digital transformation in utilities, specifically in the areas close to the grid operation.

The ambition of the Smart Grid is to integrate all these electric technologies and ICT innovations into a smart system, empowered with new applications and services, and able to operate more efficiently in all its aspects.

This chapter elaborates on a comprehensive definition of what can be understood for a Smart Grid by introducing the basic elements of a power grid and enhancing those with telecommunication technologies. This definition is complemented with the main challenges that Smart Grids, and more specifically, telecommunication technologies applied to Smart Grids, must face in the coming years.