The Kentucky Department for Energy Development and Independence (DEDI) is now seeking proposals from electric energy distributors for the deployment and demonstration of smart grid technologies. Funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and distributed through the federal Department of Energy, DEDI will award $2,650,000 in grant funding, on a competitive basis, to qualified Kentucky electric energy distributors. Proposals will be accepted Jan. 7 through 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 22, 2010.

The purpose of this grant is to accelerate the modernization of electric energy delivery in Kentucky, and is aimed at achieving goals set by Gov. Steve Beshear’s Intelligent Energy Choices for Kentucky’s Future: Kentucky’s 7-Point Energy Strategy, which includes job creation, carbon dioxide emissions reduction, renewable energy generation deployment, and increased energy efficiency.

DEDI anticipates making one to six awards to differing types of qualifying projects. Funds will be awarded for projects with a minimum investment of $100,000. Projects of interest include those that increase electric transmission and distribution efficiency; increase electric transmission and distribution reliability; enable energy consumers to monitor and control their energy consumption; integrate smart meters, appliances, and system controls that enable energy providers to reduce peak electricity demands and consumption; enable the control and monitoring of distributed, low-carbon electric generation; and develop and implement rate structures that will encourage energy conservation and peak load shifting.