Smart grid workforce training programs gets $100 million in DOE funding

The Energy Secretary, while giving the keynote speech to the GridWeek 2009 conference, detailed his vision for implementing the smart grid and modernizing America’s electrical system: a stronger, smarter, more efficient electricity infrastructure that he said would encourage growth in renewable energy sources, empower consumers to reduce their energy use, and lay the foundation for sustained, long-term economic expansion.

“America cannot build a 21st Century energy economy with a mid-20th Century electricity system.  This is why the Obama Administration is investing in projects that will lay the foundation for a modernized, resilient electrical grid,” said Secretary Chu.

Smart grid workforce training funding

The $100 million in funding for workforce training is expected to expand job creation and career advancement opportunities in smart grid and electricity transmission projects and is expected to help establish training programs for workers in the utility industry and electrical manufacturing sectors.

Public Utility Commissions funding

The $44 million for state Public Utility Commissions is slated for hiring new staff and retraining existing employees to ensure they have the capacity to quickly and effectively review proposed electricity projects.

The funds are expected to help the individual state PUCs accelerate reviews of the large number of electric utility requests that are expected under the Recovery Act. State PUCs plan to review electric utility investments in projects such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, transmission lines, energy storage, smart grid, demand response equipment, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.