Lawmakers consider energy measures in stimulus

WASHINGTON (Reuters) – The U.S. House Energy and Commerce Committee on Thursday was set to approve energy measures included in Democrats’ economic recovery package, even though a leading Republican criticized the bill as too narrow.

The $825 billion plan would spend about $25 billion on renewable energy, energy efficiency and electricity transmission.

The package would also promote the development of so called smart power grid technology to support alternative energy use, plug-in hybrid vehicles and boost energy efficiency.

Under the legislation, the government also would provide financial assistance of up to 50 percent of the costs for advanced grid technology necessary for certain electric utilities developing smart grid demonstration projects.

Reuters