BERKLEY PRAISES $138 MILLION IN FEDERAL FUNDING FOR NV ENERGY SMART GRID TECHNOLOGY

(October 27, 2009 -- Washington, D.C.)  Congresswoman Shelley Berkley today announced that NV Energy has been awarded $138 million in stimulus grant funding through the Department of Energy’s Smart Grid Investment program.

“Smart grid technology will enhance reliability even when desert temperatures soar and will help NV Energy better manage the power needs of the families and businesses it serves in Las Vegas and other Nevada communities,” said Berkley.   

Earlier this year, Berkley wrote to Secretary of Energy Dr. Steven Chu in support of the NV Energy project. 

“Nevada experiences one of the most extreme weather fluctuations in the country. This makes it extremely difficult for the residents to manage their energy usage. The project proposed by NV Energy, “Advanced Service Delivery (ASD)” is a comprehensive integrated Smart Grid solution enabling effective, economic statewide grid management even on the hottest summer days. ASD will provide customers information to take ownership of their energy usage, reduce the utilities peak demand, and produce operational benefits,” said Berkley in a letter sent August 5, 2009.  

The funds will be used to integrate smart grid technologies, including the installation of a network of 1.3 million smart meters, and will help boost distribution of power from solar and other forms of clean, renewable energy.

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