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While we are familiar with the notion of Smart Cities and Smart Communities and the myriad of ways in which today’s communities are applying intelligent technology, including collecting, sharing and using data, it is a timely moment to reflect on a fundamental truth. There is no such thing as a virtual Smart City – no electricity means no Smart City.To gain the benefits of today’s and tomorrow’s intelligent, interconnected systems cities must have a reliable, quality power supply and all the hardware and software that accompanies it.Smart electrification and sustainable energy generation are seeing a rise in the amount of electric power from hydro, marine, solar and wind sources – which helps to mitigate the effects of climate change. Through the use of IEC Standards, cities can also make significant Energy Efficiency gains, encourage the development of Smart Buildings and Smart Homes, adapt street lighting to peak demands, and improve the management of services such as water, waste management and public transport. NEW KID ON THE BLOCKLow voltage direct current (LVDC) is an innovative, disruptive technology with almost unlimited potential for Smart Cities and Smart Communities. It will fundamentally change and accelerate energy access and highlight opportunities for economic growth and improved standards of living.LVDC technology enables direct use of power generated by renewable, sustainable energy sources in the most efficient way. Today’s homes and larger buildings are mostly supplied with DC loads, and, increasingly, appliances such as washing machines, refrigerators, fans as well as heating and cooling systems have adopted DC motors with variable speed devices.This brings two major benefits. First, these appliances and devices with DC motors are far more energy-efficient to operate, thereby helping to reduce the impact of climate change. Second, DC motors are able to work directly with electricity generated from renewable sources – from the sun via photovoltaic (PV), wind, marine and hydro. When combined with energy storage technology, LVDC has the potential to bring millions of people out of the dark and into Smart Communities. There is a global realization that we have been generating energy and consuming in DC for a long time and now we need to put a system around it. That is where the IEC has a leading role to play.INNOVATIVE ENERGY SOLUTIONSToday 1.3 billion people have no access to electricity and nearly another 2 billion people have very limited, intermittent access. Through the use of LVDC technology, these people can have access to renewable energy and enhanced economic development opportunities. FRANS VREESWIJK, GENERAL SECRETARY AND CEO, IEC (INTERNATIONAL ELECTROTECHNICAL COMMISSION)TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE, SMART COMMUNITIES“TODAY, COLLABORATION AND COOPERATION BEYOND TRADITIONAL BOUNDARIES IS A KEY FACTOR FOR THE SUCCESS OF SMART CITIES AND SMART COMMUNITIES ”ELECTRICITY, A BUILDING BLOCK OF SMART CITIES AND SMART COMMUNITIES100 SMART CITIES