Utah's 'smart grid' project to get $2M

SALT LAKE CITY — Utah will receive more than $2 million in federal funds for two "smart grid" work force training programs designed to help prepare the next generation of workers in the utility and electrical manufacturing industries.

The U.S. Department of Energy announced 54 projects nationally that will receive $100 million that will be added to more than $95 million in funding from community colleges, universities, utilities and manufacturers to develop and implement training programs.

About 30,000 people will be trained to help modernize the nation's electrical grid and implement smart grid technologies.

Salt Lake Community College will receive about $2.1 million to train about 670 employees as part of a statewide smart grid sector work force plan and provide career enhancement training in metering and substation technology for line workers.