$3.4 Billion Smart Grid Investment Will Create Tens of Thousands of Jobs

by Tula Connell, Oct 27, 2009

The nation needs jobs—big time. So it’s good to see that a $3.4 billion smart energy grid investment announced today by the Obama administration also will generate many new jobs.

In addition to saving energy and empowering consumers to cut their electric bills, the move will create tens of thousands of jobs in 49 states. This from the White House:

These jobs include high paying career opportunities for smart meter manufacturing workers; engineering technicians, electricians and equipment installers; IT system designers and cyber security specialists; data entry clerks and database administrators; business and power system analysts; and others.

Some 100 private companies, utilities, manufacturers, cities and other partners received awards today. The $3.4 billion in Smart Grid Investment Grant awards are part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act and will be matched by industry funding for a total public-private investment worth more than $8 billion. 

The funding will help the nation get 20 percent or more of energy from renewable sources by 2020 and leverage more than $4.7 billion in private investment to match the federal investment.

More here.

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