The Michigan Public Service Commission (MPSC) announced today that it will receive over $1 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) to assist in the implementation of smart grid technology projects in Michigan.

"This grant awarded to the Michigan Public Service Commission will assist Michigan as it implements smart grid technology and modernizes its electric grid," noted MPSC Chairman Orjiakor Isiogu.  "The focus will be on providing the greatest benefits to customers in meeting the state's future energy needs."

U.S. Energy Secretary Steven Chu yesterday announced $144 million in Recovery Act funding, including the MPSC State Electricity Regulators Assistance grant, in his keynote speech to the GridWeek 2009 Conference in Washington, DC.   Of the total, $100 million has been earmarked for smart grid workforce training, and $44 million for state public utility commissions.

The funds awarded to state public utility commissions will help them accelerate reviews of the large number of electric utility requests that are expected under the ARRA.  State commissions will review the electric utility investments in projects such as energy efficiency, renewable energy, carbon capture and storage, transmission lines, energy storage, smart grid, cyber security of the smart grid, demand response equipment, and electric and hybrid-electric vehicles.    

The MPSC is an agency within the Department of Energy, Labor & Economic Growth.