STIMULUS FUNDS COULD BRING SMART GRID TO POWERSOUTH’S SERVICE TERRITORY

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ANDALUSIA, ALA. – To address an aging infrastructure and create a power system that meets the growing and changing needs of its customers, PowerSouth has submitted a grant application to receive monies made available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA), administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

The DOE’s Smart Grid Investment Grant Program was designed to accelerate the modernization of the nation’s electric transmission and distribution systems. Grants will be awarded through a merit-based, competitive solicitation for projects to receive federal assistance for up to 50 percent of eligible project costs.

“We plan to create a ‘smart’ grid that uses advanced technology to transmit and distribute electricity,” said Larry Avery, PowerSouth Vice President of Power Delivery. “Through the project, PowerSouth would integrate innovative tools and technologies from transmission and distribution to consumer appliances and equipment.”

PowerSouth’s project plan includes upgrades to its communication system and transmission relays; distribution automation upgrades; implementation of advanced metering infrastructure (AMI); and direct load control and home area network integration.

“These initiatives will lay the groundwork for implementing dynamic pricing options on both the wholesale and retail levels,” Avery said. “Through this restructuring effort, all customers within PowerSouth’s service territory can benefit from the rapid implementation of smart grid investments.”

According to the DOE, applicants selected for awards will be notified within 90 days after the application due date of Aug. 6.

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About PowerSouth:

PowerSouth serves the wholesale energy needs of 16 electric cooperatives and four municipal electric systems in Alabama and northwest Florida, with more than a million consumers in 39 Alabama and 10 Florida counties. PowerSouth is dedicated to providing reliable energy at the lowest possible cost to its members.

For more information:

Mark Ingram, Corporate Communication Manager

334.427.3330

mark.ingram@powersouth.com

www.powersouth.com

PowerSouth is an EEO and AAP employer

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