Duke Energy wants to build IN smart grid faster CHARLOTTE, NC (wbaa) - Duke Energy wants to complete a new smart grid in Indiana sooner than first planned, and is looking to the federal government for money to make it happen.

Duke is seeking a $200 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy's Federal Stimulus funds. The department has $4.5 billion to give away.

Plans are underway to convert the utility's electricity delivery infrastructure network in Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky.

The new smart grid would allow for two-way digital communication to improve efficiency, bolster system reliability and detect power outages, as well as integrate renewable energy into the system and reduce carbon emissions.

The scheduled completion date for Indiana and Ohio is 2014, but if awarded the D.O.E. grant, Duke could finish the work in 2012.
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