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Marshalltown-based Consumers Energy will participate in a national demonstration project of “smart grid” technologies with the help of a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy. Working with 16 other rural electric cooperatives in 10 states, Consumers Energy will install and operate new devices to determine their benefits and cost effectiveness.

The project will include more than 130,000 meters, 18,000 demand response switches and nearly 4,000 in-home displays or “smart thermostats.” These technologies will allow communication between different parts of the grid in real time, helping grid operators monitor and control the flow of electricity.

Consumers Energy applied for funding through a partnership grant with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association. The national demonstration project received $33.9 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

Consumers Energy is a member-owned energy cooperative serving more than 5,000 customers in Marshall, Jasper, Polk, Tama, Story and Hardin counties.