The Grid is about to get an upgrade.
 
President Barack Obama announced on Oct. 27, 2009, that the Energy Department would be investing $3.4 billion in the nation's electricity infrastructure.
 
First, the announcement fulfills Obama's promise to create a matching program. Private companies, utilities, manufacturers and cities will be able to tap $3.4 billion in stimulus money. That funding will be matched by $4.7 billion in private investment for a total of $8 billion.
 
That money will be used to expand the existing electricity grid and to manage peak load and energy efficiency more effectively, as stated in the second part of Obama's promise. For example, Florida Power & Light will be getting $200 million to install smart meters, devices that show hour-by-hour energy pricing, in customers' homes.
 
Other high tech improvements will include the installation of 850 sensors meant to help grid operators prevent blackouts and outages. Those sensors will also help incorporate renewable energy, like wind and solar power, into the grid; this will help solve the long-standing problem of distributing alternative energies throughout the country.
 
The last part of his promise — to use some of the money for demonstration projects — has yet to materialize. Expect to see an announcement about $615 million for power grid sensing, communications, analysis and power flow control before the end of the year, according to the Energy Department.
 
Until then, we're keeping this one at In the Works.