As temperatures start to drop and Marylanders brace for heating costs this winter, U.S. Senators Barbara A. Mikulski and Benjamin L. Cardin (both D-Md.), announced the Baltimore Gas and Electric Company has been awarded $200 million to develop a stronger, more reliable Smart Grid.  The development of a better grid will create new jobs, save energy and reduce Marylanders’ monthly electric bills. 

Funds for these grants were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which President Obama signed into law earlier this year. The Baltimore Gas and Electric Company is one of 100 electric companies nationwide selected to receive an ARRA Smart Grid grant.  

“This funding is exactly what the American Recovery & Reinvestment Act is all about - creating and sustaining jobs today and preparing for the jobs of tomorrow,” Senator Mikulski said. “Energy investments like this one will hasten our nation’s transition to a more sustainable and secure energy future, while creating new jobs and taking the burden of Marylanders by reducing energy costs.” 

“This grant will help bring thousands of green jobs, ensure billions of dollars in energy savings and help secure our energy independence,” said Senator Cardin.  “As a member of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee, I will be fighting to continue this kind of smart investment in America’s energy future today when we take up the Clean Energy Jobs and American Power Act.  This landmark bill will transform our economy from one that is inefficient and highly-polluting to a new one that is highly energy efficient, powered by advanced, cleaner, and more domestically-produced energy, and put us back in control of our energy future. “ 

For more information, go to: http://mikulski.senate.gov/_pdfs/Press/SmartGridFactSheet.pdf