US Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis announces $138 million for smart grid technology

Award will help increase electric reliability, create clean energy jobs

Las Vegas – U.S. Secretary of Labor Hilda L. Solis today announced the award of $138 million in federal funds to NV Energy for smart grid technology. Matching funds increase the value of this project to $298 million. These funds will help transition an electric distribution system to a smarter, more efficient and reliable electric system, and spur the creation of clean energy jobs across Nevada.

"America cannot build a 21st century clean energy economy without a smart, strong and secure electricity delivery system. Today's announcement will help spur the development and implementation of a broad range of technologies to bring a smarter, stronger and more secure electric system – and its benefits – to Nevada," said Secretary Solis.

Prior to the announcement, Secretary Solis toured NV Energy's Advanced Service Delivery project with business representatives and labor leaders to see first-hand the work these funds will support as Nevada's electricity infrastructure is modernized and clean energy jobs are created. This statewide project will link 1.45 million electric and gas meters across 54,600 square miles of service territory, delivering more than $65 million in benefits annually to 2.4 million Nevadans. The award is not only expected to create new jobs, but also help make a significant leap forward in building the infrastructure necessary to bring clean, low-cost energy sources to Nevada homes and businesses.

"This significant investment is just one of the ways the administration is using the Recovery Act to not only create jobs now, but also lay a new foundation for economic and job growth," added Solis.

Today's announcement is part of the $3.4 billion in Smart Grid Investment Grant awards being made nationwide under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Federal funds will be matched by industry funding for a total of public-private investments worth more than $8 billion. These grants represent the largest single grid modernization investment in U.S. history. Applicants from 49 states have been selected to receive awards and are expected to create tens of thousands of jobs.

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