1. An apparatus for smart electric power grid communication: the apparatus operable to receive at least one registration message from at least one grid element over an IP-based network; the at least one registration message based upon participation of the at least one grid element within the electric power grid for load, supply, and/or curtailment of power; the apparatus having at least one attribute, wherein the apparatus is operable to register the at least one attribute upon receipt of the at least one registration message from the at least one grid element; and wherein the at least one grid element is operable to be automatically and/or autonomously transformed into at least one active grid element after transmitting the at least one registration message.