The grants were awarded in October 2009 as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. Overall, the company plans to invest a total of $114.9m on smart grid technologies that will help determine the potential to enhance the operating performance of the local distribution system, and provide incentives to customers to reduce energy use and participate in demand response programs.
The DOE grants will be matched by funding already approved for recovery over time by utility commissions in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. As a result, FirstEnergy will begin implementing programs in these states. The Ohio smart grid program is on hold, pending continuing commission review of the program proposal.
John Paganie, vice president of customer service and energy efficiency at FirstEnergy, said: “FirstEnergy was one of 100 companies selected by the DOE to receive smart grid investment grants and we look forward to using new technologies to help our customers save energy and money.
“Our goal is to use these smart grid programs in targeted areas to help lay the groundwork for possible widespread deployment and implementation.”
The DOE grants and approved utility commission funding will be used to install smart grid technology in the York, Pennsylvania area served by Metropolitan Edison, and expand the technology already deployed in a number of communities throughout the Jersey Central Power & Light service area.
FirstEnergy is a diversified energy company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Its subsidiaries and affiliates are involved in the generation, transmission and distribution of electricity, as well as energy management and other energy-related services.
