Google.org is awarding a $2.56 million grant to the Energy Foundation to support policy reforms related to "more intelligent energy use."
In a recent company blog post, Michael Terrell, senior policy counsel of energy and sustainability, says that technologies such as smart meters and other intelligent appliances will help consumers save money and make the power grid more reliable. The challenge, Terrell says, is that "the rules governing electricity distribution were written for last century's grid."
The effort will focus mainly on smarter electricity rates, compensation for consumers and businesses that cut energy usage at peak times, and open data policies that enable customers to access their energy data.
"We hope this grant will help catalyze change and look forward to seeing progress in the years to come," concludes Terrell.
