Washington, D.C. – Sen. Ron Wyden, D-Ore., last night introduced legislation to update America’s aging power grid and provide more reliable, low-cost, renewable energy to consumers in the Pacific Northwest and across the country.
The Smart Grid Act of 2015 establishes a Department of Energy program that provides competitive, cost-share grants to cities, electric utilities, and local businesses seeking to invest in innovative smart grid technologies, such as smart household appliances and plug-in vehicles.
It also requires DOE to begin the process for developing standards for data sharing and communications between electricity users and providers on the grid to improve grid reliability and efficiency.
“America’s power grid needs an upgrade,” Wyden said. “This bill gives innovators of all kinds – from business owners and public utilities to families – the tools they need to invest in the types of technologies that will reduce carbon emissions as well as monthly utility bills, all while creating a more connected grid that can react to surges and prevent outages.”
The Energy Department estimates the power grid outages and electricity interruptions cost taxpayers about $150 billion a year.
If you see local news happen, call the Horizon Broadcasting Group News Tip Hotline at 541-323-NEWS, or email us.
