Smart grid compatible or smart grid enabled appliances will be able to turn off and on automatically based on the cost of electricity at any given moment in time. They will work with your homes smart meter. These appliances are some times referred to as grid friendly appliances. These appliances will be able to communicate via home area network (HAN) with your electrical smart meter or internet websites to get real time power information, smart grid rates, pricing and other data. So basically if the electricity rates are less at night and your clothese dryer were smart compatible than it would be set to wait until a specific time or for the price of electricity to drop below a specific cost before turning on.

“From 2011 to 2015, the global household smart appliance market is projected grow from $3.06 billion to $15.12 billion. The United States will initially dominate the smart appliance market but by 2015 its share will decrease to 36 percent, representing approximately $5.46 billion. China will account for an estimated 18.2 percent, valued at $2.76 billion.” http://www.metering.com

Smart compatible appliances will become available in many areas of the US in late 2010/early 2011. Many appliance manufactures are involved with designing these appliances.