Potential Projects Bring Smart Grid Technology and Enhanced Reliability to Upstate New York

Note to Editors: National Grid will host a media conference call today at 11 a.m. to provide a briefing on today’s announcement. Media representatives can participate in the call by dialing 888-266-1206 and requesting conference I.D. number 95913271 (National Grid PSC Stimulus/ Smart Grid Filing). A replay of the call will be available until midnight on April 21 by dialing 800-642-1687 and entering conference I.D. number 95913271.

In response to a New York State Public Service Commission request for projects suitable for funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, National Grid is proposing two smart grid technology demonstration projects in Upstate New York and other investments to modernize and enhance its transmission and distribution system.

In National Grid’s filing to be submitted today, the company proposes to build and operate two 40,000-customer smart grid demonstration projects in the Syracuse area and the Capital District, as well as implement additional reliability enhancements throughout the state.

“National Grid applauds the New York State Public Service Commission for taking a comprehensive approach to matching the needs of the state’s energy consumers with the need to create jobs and stimulate economic activity,” said Tom King, president of National Grid in the U.S. “Through the power of action, National Grid strives to be a leader in energy management and work closely with regulators as they plan the energy future of the states and customers we serve. We believe our proposal supports the essential efforts to improve energy efficiency, enhance network reliability, and address climate change.”

King added that the proposal, which is subject to federal and state support, aligns with Gov. David A. Patterson’s New York Green Energy Vision’s goal of calling for 45 percent of the state’s electricity needs to be met through improved efficiency and green renewables by 2015.

A smart grid is a network for electricity transmission and distribution systems that uses two-way, state-of-the-art communications, advanced sensors, and specialized computers to improve the efficiency, reliability and safety of electricity delivery and use.