WASHINGTON — Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-Calif.) has introduced the Smart Grid Advancement Act of 2013. McNerney said the bill is designed to move forward the development of a more efficient electrical grid, tasking states and utilities to establish goals for reducing electrical use during peak times through the use of smart grid technologies.

“Increasing the use of smart grid technologies will help reduce [energy] use when demand for power is at its highest. That, in turn, will help save consumers money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” said McNerney.

“In order to better utilize our energy resources, we must become more efficient and transition to lower carbon energy systems. Making necessary investments in the nation’s smart grid is one way to facilitate this transition,” McNerney said. “If we take action now, the smart grid will create family-wage jobs, produce real economic benefits, increase energy efficiency, and allow for renewable energy technologies to be more easily integrated into our system. “

The Smart Grid Advancement Act also aims to better integrate smart grid features into the Energy Star program.

The bill was cosponsored by Rep. Matt Cartwright (D-Pa.).

Publication date: 7/29/2013