SmartGrid Park gives peek at energy future

KANSAS CITY, Mo. - U.S. Rep Emanuel Cleaver II joined KCP&L officials for a ribbon-cutting Friday, opening the SmartGrid Innovation Park at 4727 Tracy Ave.

KCP&L says visitors to the new park can learn how the electric utility is preparing for future energy technologies and enhancing the power grid in the urban core as a part of its SmartGrid Demonstration Project.

The park contains 13 solar arrays and a lithium-ion battery storage system, said to be one of the largest of its kind in the nation. An informational kiosk explains how power is delivered and how it is used by customers, plus the history of electric meters.

"What we are learning as part of this project about energy storage, advanced renewable energy technologies and improvements to our electric system will benefit all customers as we prepare for the future of energy," said Terry Bassham, KCP&L president & CEO.

KCP&L also announced the future locations of its SmartGrid electric vehicle charging stations and solar arrays. For a list of locations, visit www.kcplsmartgrid.com

With the help of a grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, KCP&L will invest more than $50 million between now and 2015 in the SmartGrid Demonstration Project.

The SmartGrid Demo Area includes several neighborhoods in and around Kansas City's Green Impact Zone. Nearly 14,000 customers live and own businesses in the SmartGrid Demonstration Area.