The Business Journal is reporting that PGE will be part of a regional smart grid demonstration project. The Department of Energy announced 16 projects across the country on Tuesday including the Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project.
Total estimated cost for the project is $178 million. The Federal agency will provide half the funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. The project’s participants, primarily utilities and industry team members including Portland-based PGE (NYSE: POR), will provide the remaining funds.
The Northwest study will involve more than 60,000 metered customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. Using smart grid technologies, the study will test new combinations of devices, software and advanced analytical tools that enhance the power grids reliability and performance.
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