Efficiency First

$3.4 billion in ARRA grants will target job creation and lower utility bills through energy grid modernization

At a public appearance in Florida on Oct. 27, President Obama announced a package of Smart Grid Investment Grants described by the White House as “the largest single energy grid modernization investment in U.S. history.” The $3.4 billion in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funds will go to private companies, utilities, cities and other partners involved in the development and implementation of smart grid technologies.

While some of the money will go to upgrading outdated transmission lines, most of the 100 projects receiving the grants will target installation and integration of smart meters that can help consumers manage energy use more effectively. “Much like the Recovery Through Retrofit plan we launched last week to boost the weatherization and retrofit industry,” Obama said, “these devices will help you greatly improve the energy efficiency in your own home.”

According to a U.S. Department of Energy press release about the grants, these programs are expected to create tens of thousands of high-paying jobs and leverage more than $4.7 billion in private investment to match the federal funds.

Watch the President’s speech here:

Read the DOE press release here: www.energy.gov/news2009/8216.htm

Grant awards by state: www.energy.gov/recovery/smartgrid_maps/SGIGSelections_State.pdf

Grant awards by category: www.energy.gov/recovery/smartgrid_maps/SGIGSelections_Category.pdf