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U.S. Stimulus Watch Frequently Asked Questions

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, the Stimulus Bill, is gaining momentum and will provide significant funding for critical projects across the utility landscape. These projects will promote sustainable growth and the efficiency required to ensure future energy needs.

Listed below are several questions that will help guide you through the details of the Stimulus Bill, what funds are available, how you can apply for them, and where to turn for more information.

Aclara is dedicated to providing our customers with Smart Grid Stimulus Bill resources. Contact our sales team or program management team for more information on how to get assistance for Smart Grid Stimulus funding.

Where can I get a copy of the Stimulus Bill?

Click here to see the entire Stimulus Bill. This is a large document so it may take time to load depending on your connection speed. The fastest way find the appropriate information is to use search terms such as "Smart Grid" or "Demand Response."

How can I learn more about the Stimulus Bill and how it is being implemented?

Visit www.recovery.gov for more information on the Stimulus Bill and its status or click on the following memo Initial Implementing Guidance for the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009.

How do I register my utility for a Stimulus Bill grant?

The DOE is responsible for establishing guidelines for which utilities will receive a portion of the $4.5 billion earmarked in the Stimulus Bill for energy projects/Smart Grid technologies. While the formal guidelines are still being established, utilities must follow these four steps to register with the Central Contactor Registry and Grants.gov websites in order to be eligible for the available funds.

Have your utility’s DUNS number available (Dun and Bradstreet Data Universal Numbering System). You can apply for or search for a number at: http://www.dnb.com/US/duns_update/

What funding opportunities are available for Smart Grid projects?

The Department of Energy (DOE) has issued the following two Smart Grid funding opportunities.

Smart Grid Demonstrations:

Proposed distribution amount

It is proposed that $615 million be distributed via grants for regionally unique Smart Grid, Synchrophasors, and Energy Storage demonstration projects.

Program Specifications:

Grants will be distributed for demonstration projects that will showcase the viability of smart grid technologies, quantify smart grid costs and benefits, and validate new smart grid business models.

The goal of the program is to collect information on technologies that may be implemented and replicated on a national scale.

Applicant Requirements:

There are a limited number of opportunities available and the applicant’s cost share must be at least 50% of the total allowable costs.

Breakdown of Funds:

This is a competitive, merit-based solicitation with several hundred proposals expected.

6-8 Smart Grid demonstrations for Investor-Owned Utilities, $20M to $100M each.
2-4 Publicly-Owned Utilities demonstrations, $5M to $20M each.

Application deadlines:

Final dates for this opportunity have yet to be announced.

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) - TBD
Application Due Dates – TBD
All Funds Obligated - September 2010

Smart Grid Investment Grants:

Proposed distribution amount

The DOE has issued a Notice of Intent for a program that will award $3.375 billion in grants for Smart Grid technology deployments.

Program Specifications:

Eligible applicants include, but are not limited to, electric utilities, companies that distribute or sell electricity, organizations that coordinate or control grid operations, appliance and equipment manufacturers, and firms that wish to install smart grid technology.

Deployment of Phasor Measurement Units (PMU) within the transmission system is a specific program goal.

Applicant Requirements:

Funding provides up to 50% of qualified investments requested by grant applicants.

Breakdown of Funds:

This is a competitive, merit-based solicitation with more than 1,500 applications expected.

$500,000 to $200,000,000 per grantee for smart grid technology deployments
$100,000 to $5 million per grantee will also be offered for the deployment of grid monitoring devices

Application deadlines:

Funding Opportunity Announcement (FOA) - June 17, 2009
Application Due Dates - July 29, 2009; Dec. 2, 2009; Mar. 31, 2010
All Funds Obligated - September 2010

What Aclara technologies and products are applicable for the Stimulus Bill funds?

Projects based on Aclara technologies will qualify for funding under the current smart-grid provisions of the bill. The specific projects that qualify include RF- and Power-Line-based advanced metering infrastructure, demand-response systems, home-area networks, grid-management applications, and customer-presentment and meter-data-management software.

Qualifying solutions could include TWACS® technology, the STAR® Network electric product, the Aclara DRU (Demand Response Unit), the TWACS IHD (In-Home Display), and the TWACS CST (Capacitor Switching Transponder) as well as Aclara Software™ ENERGYprism® and Energy Vision® applications.

Over 500 utilities are using Aclara’s leading Intelligent Infrastructure™ technologies to deliver device networking, data-value management, and customer communications for water, gas, and electric utilities globally.

Are Stimulus Bill funds available through state offices?

Yes, funds may be available at the state level. Visit the National Association of State Energy Officials for your state’s contact information.

Where can I get more information on the Stimulus Bill, its status, and the funds available?

Several sites and documents are available with information on the Stimulus Bill. You can also search the actual bill for specific content on projects that may be applicable for funds.

What is the Smart Grid?

Visit http://www.oe.energy.gov/smartgrid.htm to view a discussion on the workings of the Smart Grid: DOE Office of Electricity Delivery & Energy Reliability.

How can I find out about upcoming Stimulus Bill grant opportunities?

Stay informed of new grant opportunities by signing up for funding opportunity announcements at http://www.grants.gov/applicants/email_subscription.isp.

You can also visit the Department of Energy (DOE) E-Center for information on doing business with the DOE and view current business opportunities.