Press Releases

U.S. Congressman Harold “Hal” Rogers (KY-05) announced today that the U.S. Department of Energy has awarded a $9,538,234 Smart Grid technology grant to South Kentucky Rural Electric Cooperative Corporation (SKRECC) to upgrade its current electric metering system to an “automated meter infrastructure” (AMI) network, which will promote energy efficiency, cost savings and environmental stewardship benefiting over 66,000 power users.

“High energy bills stifle economic growth and strain the pocketbook of working families and seniors on fixed incomes. This funding will enable SKRECC to improve the way in which we receive our electricity and ultimately help to lower costs and save money for consumers,” said Rogers. “This federal investment will also improve upon the more expensive and traditional meter-reading system in favor of a more accurate and technology-driven system. These types of 21st century infrastructure improvements help make our region attractive to new investment by power dependent, high-tech and manufacturing businesses and lead to the jobs of the future.”

The Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 charged the U.S. Department of Energy with modernizing the nation’s electricity grid to improve its reliability and efficiency. A major pillar of this effort, the Smart Grid program aims to utilize advanced information-age technologies to move the country’s electric system to a more consumer-interactive and environmentally sensitive model. Upgrading the electric metering system to AMI will enable SKRECC and its consumers to make more energy efficient choices and reduce consumer costs by eliminating the need for manual meter reading expenses. In addition, SKRECC will be able to more easily control the electrical load and shift usage from on-peak to off-peak periods, which will improve overall system efficiency and lower carbon emissions. More information is available at www.smartgrid.gov.

SKRECC has provided electricity and related services to its members since 1938. SKRECC employs 162 individuals, serves over 66,000 customers and maintains over 6,600 miles of distribution line and nearly 50,000 transformers.

Rogers currently serves as a senior member of the House Appropriations Committee. Through this role, Rogers supports important initiatives in the Fifth Congressional District.