December 1, 2011- Market research firm IC Insights estimates that global spending on smart grid technologies will reach $100 billion in 2011.  The estimate excludes renewable energy systems, power plants, and “smart” home appliances and includes smart grid infrastructure, electrical storage systems, smart meters, and “information technology” investments. The firm estimates that total worldwide revenues for smart meter semiconductor components will grow to a $1.1 billion market by 2015 from $524 million in 2010.