The $3.4 billion in grant awards forms part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, enacted in February 2009. It will be matched by industry funding to result in a public-private investment worth more than $8 billion, designed to spur the transition to a smarter, stronger and more efficient and reliable US electric system.

The funding was divided between 100 private companies, utilities, manufacturers, cities and other organisations. Baltimore Gas and Electric Company, the utility arm of