Smart grid technology in Tennessee

TENNESSEE: "Smart grid" electricity costs less

Electricity meters smart enough to save the customer money by staying in constant touch with the power company are on the way in parts of Tennessee. This is the first effort at building an energy-efficient network to replace the old power system across the U.S.

Studies from the U.S. Department of Energy experts outline what a smart grid can bring: energy independence, homeland security benefits, the ability to incorporate renewable energy resources, added revenue and savings to consumers.

And, a report from the nonprofit Electric Power Research Institute estimates $1.8 trillion a year in benefits by 2020 nationwide with the much more efficient and reliable system. It also could be a key in reducing emissions that the EPA says contribute to global warming.

Also in the South:

ALABAMA: More children to get insurance coverage in budget

ARKANSAS: State's first nanomanufacturing facility to open

FLORIDA: Gov. Crist to run for U.S. Senate

GEORGIA: Gov. Perdue named to federal education board

KENTUCKY: State cracking down on seat belt violations

LOUISIANA: Lake Ponchartrain gets artificial reefs to boost fish population

MISSISSIPPI: Farmers contend with wet conditions

NORTH CAROLINA: Medical board is against bill that increases investigations

SOUTH CAROLINA: Budget deal likely to be presented to Gov. Sanford today

VIRGINIA: Democratic Governors Association faces fines

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