Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke, Chair of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, Science, and Technology released the following statement about the U.S. Department of Energy awarding $620 million for projects in the development of a Smart Grid:

“I applaud President Obama and Secretary Steven Chu for taking the necessary steps to modernize and strengthen our electrical grid,” stated Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke “As we begin to deploy our Smart Grid in the months ahead, we must ensure that cyber security protection measures are integral in this effort. Our cyber security is only as strong as the weakest link. It is more cost effective to include these measures now than trying to implement them after the Smart Grid is established.”

The $620 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act will go towards projects which include large-scale storage, smart meters, distribution, and transmission system monitoring devices, and a range of other smart technologies. An additional $1 billion in funds from the private sector will support Smart Grid projects nationally.

“Today’s announcement underscores this Administration’s commitment to newer technologies, energy conservation, and job creation. As chairwoman of the House Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cyber Security, and Science and Technology, I have worked diligently on issues relating to safeguarding our cyber security infrastructure, including our electrical grid. I look forward to working with President Obama to encourage innovation in this critical area of our nation’s energy and national security,” concluded Rep. Yvette D. Clarke.

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