HECO gets piece of $3.4 billion to modernize grid
HAWAII - President Barack Obama announced $3.4 billion in funding for projects to modernize the nation’s electricity grid — the largest group of economic stimulus awards ever made in one day.
The government funds will be matched by more than $4.7 billion in private-sector investments. The awards went to 100 companies, utilities, manufacturers and cities across the nation. They included $5,347,598 to Hawaiian Electric Co. to upgrade its electrical grid.
The largest chunk of the government funding — $2 billion — went to projects that will integrate different “smart grid” components, such as smart meters and automated substations, into one system. Another $1 billion was directed to projects that expand consumer access to smart meters and other systems that will enable them to run appliances and equipment when electric rates are the lowest.
About $400 million will go to projects that will reduce the amount of power that is wasted in its journey from the power plant to the end user.
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APS asks customers to conserve energy after recent blackouts in California
PHOENIX - After excessive heat forced rolling blackouts for thousands of people across California Friday and Saturday, Arizona Public Service Electric is asking customers to conserve energy this afternoon and evening.
“Given the extended heat wave in the western United States, APS is asking customers to conserve energy due to extreme energy demand that is driving usage higher throughout the region with today’s high temperatures,” APS said in a statement.
Tucson Electric Power has made a similar request of customers in its coverage area.
APS is asking customers to conserve energy in the following ways Tuesday until 8 p.m.:
- Raise thermostat settings to no…
