This document provides an overview of smart grids and their goals and challenges. It discusses how smart grids use digital technologies to monitor electricity transport from generation to users. The goals of smart grids include self-healing, demand response, resilience, power quality, and optimization. Key challenges are integrating variable renewable generation, consumer engagement, distribution automation, and transmission automation. It also outlines how technologies like phasor measurement units and GPS help with issues like wide-area protection and control.