Major plans from Cisco (CSCO) could revolutionalize the way we use power and electricity on a global level, all the while having the potential to send technology exchange traded funds (ETFs) off the grid.Global electricity networks are going the way of smart grids, which also help monitor and control energy usage, with technology that helps underpin the net. BBC News reports that Cisco, a U.S. firm that designs, manufactures and sells Internet Protocol (IP)-based networking products, is helping to build a two-way link to electrical grids, which would allow devices to communicate with utility firms to give an accurate view of energy use that could cut CO2 emissions by 211m tonnes.

This once-in-a-lifetime capital investment would link different parts of the electrical grid – from a single home to the largest of power stations – using a customized network based on IP.

This has also spurred a number of firms to bid on similar protocol, because this move is in line with the times. Concerns about how that power is generated, especially when it comes to fossil fuels, and the rising costs, are forcing other companies to modernize their electrical networks.

• iShares S&P North American Tech Multimedia Network (IGN) up 31.9% year-to-date; Cisco 7.5% of assets

For full disclosure, Tom Lydon’s clients own shares of IGN.

Tags: IGN, Sector ETFs, Technology, Utilities