U.S. Confers Grant for Smart Development in India

December 20, 2010

New Delhi: The U.S. Embassy's Minister-Counselor for Economic, Environment, Science, and Technology Affairs Blair Hall today conferred a grant of US $453,350 (Rs. 2.04 crore) on behalf of the United States Trade Development Authority (USTDA) on Bangalore Electricity Supply Company Limited (BESCOM), to support its effort to integrate smart grid technologies into its existing power system. The grant will be used to conduct a feasibility study to support BESCOM's efforts to revamp its system using the best available technologies to improve quality, reliability, and efficiency.

Through this grant, USTDA is helping to develop the requirements and specifications for a smart grid implementation plan that will advance BESCOM's efforts to meet the challenge of growing demand for energy from its diverse customer base.  Ultimately, this program will enable the integration of smart meters and automated meter reading into BESCOM's distribution system.

This project responds to the joint commitment made by President Obama and Prime Minister Singh in late 2009 to greatly expand energy efficiency and clean energy cooperation through the Partnership to Advance Clean Energy (PACE). This initiative encourages joint efforts to accelerate deployment of efficiency and clean energy applications and smart grid development.

USTDA helps companies create U.S. jobs through the export of U.S. goods and services for priority development projects in emerging economies.

USTDA links U.S. businesses to export opportunities by funding project planning activities, pilot projects, and reverse trade missions while creating sustainable infrastructure and economic growth in partner countries.