Obama unveils "smart grid" plan
(Arcadia, Fla.) President Obama today announced the biggest single energy-grid modernization in U.S. history.
The three-point-four-billion dollars in "Smart Grid" investment
is part of the government's economic stimulus package.
Speaking at a Florida solar-power plant, Obama said the massive effort focuses on developing a nationwide electric-power network that's stronger, more efficient and more reliable using clean-energy sources like wind and solar.
It's estimated smart-grid technologies could reduce electricity use by more than four percent by 2030 - which would mean more than 20 billion dollars in savings for consumers and businesses.
The initiative also will help create tens of thousands of jobs in smart-meter manufacturing as well as in engineering, the White House predicts. It also says more jobs for electricians, equipment installers and power-system analysts would be created.
Another benefit is that smart-grid devices will give power companies better tools for outage prevention and making faster outage repairs, according to proponents.
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RNS-10-27-09 1626CDT