NV Energy Seeks Stimulus Funds For Smart Grid

CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) — NV Energy Inc., the parent firm of Nevada's two main electric utilities, is applying for $138 million in federal stimulus money to help build a "smart grid" infrastructure.

NV Energy President and Chief Executive Michael Yackira says the company's Advanced Service Delivery Project would involve upgrading Nevada's energy system and electric and natural gas meters.

New meters would allow customers to see, in real time, how much their energy use costs at different times of the day, providing an incentive to use less energy during peak, expensive hours.

The benefit, Yackira says, would be more efficient energy use and lower bills for consumers.

If the grant is approved, Yackira says the statewide project will be implemented over the next two years.