Millions in Stimulus Dollars Head West

Almost $230 Million Heads West for Federal/State Collaboration on Smart Grid and Transmission Development

Addressing western governors on June15, Energy Secretary Steven Chu announced that the DOE would invest nearly $230 million in a federal-state collaboration on Smart Grid and transmission projects. The money is intended to develop and implement a Smart Grid and more reliable electricity transmission system, promote development of renewable, and establish a framework to integrate these new energy sources into the nation's electric grid.

Here's a quick look at the funding breakdown:

·         $80 million for regional and interconnection transmission analysis and planning

·         $50 million for assistance to state public utility commissions charged with administering new energy projects

·         Nearly $40 million to support energy assurance capabilities for states

·         $57 million for wood-to-energy grants and biomass projects in 14 states

The announcements from Chu and other senior Obama Administration officials were made during the annual meeting of the Western Governors Association.  Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, while announcing the wood-to-energy and biomass projects, noted that the projects will advance the administration's energy goals and provide jobs and stimulate the economy by creating new industries.

   Quick Take: It isn't going to help much to generate power in remote locations such as forests if we can't deliver it to the population centers where it's needed. The bottom line is that these remote renewables projects will crank up the pressure for a smarter, expanded grid.

   DOE announcement

   USDA announcement