NM

http://homeideas.blog.com/2011/04/08/about-steel-doors/
The stimulus package includes $4.4 billion to implemengt local smart grids, which rely on automated monitorin g of electricity use andcomputerized supply-and-demanr controls to reduce energy consumption in residencesw and buildings. Gov. Bill Richardson’s administratiom has been working for nearly two yearsz on blueprints fora comprehensive, statewide strategu to roll out the nation’es first fully modernized local grid. The plan calle for development of a lot morerenewable energy, a massivw transmission upgrade to distribute clean and an automated network backed by the state’zs supercomputer to effectively balancw supply and demand.
Nevertheless, the ’s initial guidelined for bidding on grants outline a piecemeal approach to buildinysmart grids, said Tom Richardson’s science advisor on loan from and a key architec t of the state’s smart-grid initiative. The DOE essentiallu wants states to concentrate on individual components ofgrid modernization, such as installing smartt meters in homes and buildinga to monitor energy use. “The initial guidelinesx limit the technologies and scopwof grant-funded projects,” Bowlesa said.
“You can’t get funding for multiple technologies that crosx over andmerge together, but that’sw exactly what’s needed to manage all the differences in energy generation and consumption that exist betweenb urban and rural areas or among commercial and institutional consumers.” In fact, the guidelines originallt set a $20 million cap on individual smart-grid investment grants and $40 million for regional demonstration projects, reflectinf the scaled-down scope of the DOE approach. Concertecd lobbying by New Mexicol officials and others contributed to a DOE decisiomnin mid-May to increase the caps to $200 milliom and $100 million, respectively.
However, the DOE won’t releasew final grant guidelinesuntil mid-June, and unless therde are more changes, New Mexico’s multiple-project approach might not be “The scope of New Mexico’s smart green grid will require hundreds of millionws of dollars, not tens of millions, so the increase in grant caps was welcome,” Bowles said. “Butt we still need to see how much flexibility the DOE will permir forintegrated smart-grid projects.
” The initial guidelines also includes a mandate for 50 percent matching funds from grant That could be even more limitinf than the DOE’s scaled-downh approach to smart-grid construction, said Stephan Helgesen, who heads the Economic Development Department’s Office of Sciencs and Technology. Helgesen has visited communitiesw statewide todiscuss smart-grid projects and coordinate grant proposals. “Everybody is enthusiastic about smart-grid stimulus funding, but the municipalities say they don’ty have matching funds,” Helgesen said. “That could be a real deal breakerffor everybody.
” Still, state officials are encouragingv utilities and municipalities to send grant proposals anywat so that, whatever the final DOE New Mexico will be ready to compete for funds. “I f the DOE’s limited scopew is unchanged, we’ll have to segment our efforts into smaller Bowles said. “Some things will get funded and some In response, utilities and municipalities are scramblin g to turn in proposals. Kit Carson Electric Cooperativdin Taos, for example, wantse funding to install more distributed solard energy, and to extend broadband access to all of its 30,0090 customers.
The broadband would enable neede energy monitoring and automation systems while connecting more peopleto high-speed Internet said CEO Luis Reyes. “The stimulus coulsd be a shot in the arm to help build an integratedcsmart grid, and to lay the foundation for more economic development,” Reyes said.