Department of Energy:

Speaking at Florida Power and Light’s (FPL) DeSoto Next Generation Solar Energy Center, President Barack Obama today announced the largest single energy grid modernization investment in U.S. history, funding a broad range of technologies that will spur the nation’s transition to a smarter, stronger, more efficient and reliable electric system. The end result will promote energy-saving choices for consumers, increase efficiency, and foster the growth of renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Here is a map of the locations:

Here is a list of the selections by state:

Here is a list of the selections by category:

Exelon, a major electricity generating and distribution company, left the Chamber of Commerce a few weeks ago. Their departure came relatively early on in an unprecedented string of departures from the Chamber.

Last night in Philadelphia Exelon’s CEO John Rowe clarified his company’s reasoning for leaving the Chamber:

“We did it because on this issue, which we think is fundamental to the ecology, the economy, and to Exelon, we were at odds with the expressed position of the chamber.”

NPR has been running an excellent series for the past week or so. Here are a few of the pieces I’ve enjoyed the most:

An Aged Grid Looks To A Brighter Future

Getting Constant Current from Fickle Winds

Could Energy Innovation Create a Green Bubble

A New Grid and Also New Habits are Needed

The series as a whole offers a great overview of the opportunities and difficulties associated with upgrading our electric grid. Check out the full series here.