Washington, DC – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) announced that Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) was awarded $5,063,469 in American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) funding as part of the largest single energy grid investment in U.S. history, unveiled this morning by President Obama.

“Our nation’s electrical grid is in desperate need of modernization in order to meet the increasing needs of consumers.  A catastrophic failure like the one we saw several years ago that plunged most of the Northeast into darkness can, and should, be prevented.  The federal funding that President Obama announced today will begin the transition to a smarter, stronger, more efficient and reliable electric system,” Congressman Cohen said. “I commend MLGW for receiving this federal funding.  By implementing smart grid technologies, the nation’s electricity use will be reduced by more than 4 percent by 2030 – and will result in a significant savings for MLGW customers.”

MLGW will use the federal funding to install digital upgrades, including a high-speed data communication and control system, to the electric distribution system, which will improve power quality, reduce maintenance costs, and serve as the backbone for future smart grid enhancements.  The Recovery Act Funding announced today by Congressman Cohen represents nearly 50% of the total cost for the project - MLGW is responsible for the other half of the funding.



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Steven Broderick
Communications Director
Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9)
1005 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Direct: 202-226-7916
Main: 202-225-3265
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