news

Congressman Paul Tonko announced Tuesday that the New York Independent System Operator (NYISO) in Rensselaer will receive a $37 million federal grant for a Smart Grid project that will save New Yorkers money on their utility bills and conserve electricity.

Funding for this grant is from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and is part of $3.4 billion in grants for Smart Grid technology being announced today by President Barack Obama. The grants will fund a broad range of projects that will ease the nation’s transition to a smarter, more efficient and reliable electric system. The Recovery Act grants will be matched by industry funds for a total public-private investment worth more than $8 billion.

“As part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which I voted for earlier this year, we invested in the future of America’s energy grid and energy technology,” said Rep. Tonko.  “This single largest investment in the Smart Grid in our nation’s history shows the boldness and leadership of President Obama on an issue that is critical to our nation’s security and economy.”

The grant will partially fund a $75.7 million program to create a statewide Phasor Measurement Network across the high voltage grid which would improve NYISO’s ability to detect problems and avoid potential blackouts. The project would also include the installation of capacitors to improve the control and coordination of voltage on the grid, which would increase efficiency and decrease the amount of power that is lost during transmission. NYISO estimates the capacitor project would conserve electricity and save New York ratepayers $9.7 million per year on their electric bills.

NYISO President and CEO Stephen G. Whitley said: “These investments will help to energize New York’s economy by introducing technology that will improve the efficiency and stability of the state’s power grid. I want to thank everyone involved in helping with such an important project for the state, it has been a real team effort. The savings from the efficiency improvements will pay for the project in a matter of years.”

Rep. Tonko added, “I am glad to announce that the New York Independent Systems Operator will receive over $37 million from this investment.  These funds will allow NYISO to allow area-wide control, and an open, flexible, interoperable, secure, and expandable communications system that will work in concert with the existing control and monitoring systems.  This announcement is a huge leap towards advancing bold, progressive energy policy in our country.”

In addition to the NYISO grant, Consolidated Edison Company of New York has been awarded $136 million to deploy a wide range of grid related technologies which will also result in more efficient use of electricity.

         # # #