[The following is a paid advertisement.]

Illinois lawmakers aren’t the only policymakers talking about benefits of Smart Grid deployment. A new White House report, A Policy Framework for the 21st Century Grid, says the future of clean energy and its potential for economic development and jobs relies on a smart grid. We agree.

The White House report talks about building a “cost-effective smart grid,” “empowering consumers,” “facilitating a clean energy economy,” and “unlocking the potential for innovation.” Sound familiar? These are the same concepts embodied in Senate Bill 1652, the Energy Infrastructure Modernization Act.

SB 1652 seeks to strengthen our economy and create 2,000 jobs by investing an estimated $3 billion in a modern grid — while also strengthening regulatory oversight, accountability by utilities and giving consumers new tools to reduce their own energy usage and costs.

So, as the national conversation grows about the benefits of a smart grid on our economy, the environment, our homes and pocketbooks, Illinois is poised to become a leader rather than a follower. SB 1652 can help us deliver reliable power, bolster our economy and put Illinois at the forefront of innovation.

For more information visit www.smartenergyIL.com or follow us on Twitter at SmartEnergyIL.