Stimulus-Funded Eco Project May Cost Jobs

(MYFOX NATIONAL) – Federal stimulus dollars are supposed to help boost the economy, and create jobs and a more stable consumer environment. But recent news out of Maine is reporting one measure to go green via stimulus funds may cost jobs.

A Jan. 19 story from Smart Grid News reports a stimulus-funded, ecologically-oriented smart meter project could lead to job cuts, while it does its part to save money and the environment.

“We're concerned, to start with, that $96 million in federal stimulus money is going to be used for this advanced metering infrastructure system that could lead to layoffs of 141 workers at [Central Maine Power],” said IBEW Local 1837 staff organizer Matthew Beck in a Jan. 19 Portland Press Herald story on the smart meter project. “I thought stimulus funding was supposed to create jobs, not eliminate jobs.”

The Smart Grid News story points out similar projects and attendant job loss could pop up elsewhere as well. “Billions of dollars in Smart Grid stimulus funds have been doled out for the Smart Grid, clean green renewable energy and jobs,” the story reads. “We can't help but wonder if this is happening — or will happen — elsewhere as the massive meter roll-outs continue.”

As the world looks to become more green, how safe are jobs in the utility sector?

A Jan. 28 press release from ABI Research , a market intelligence company specializing in global connectivity and emerging technology, forecasts the market for smart meters to see significant growth over the next four years.

“‘Smart’ electricity meters, which enable two-way communication between the meter and the utility, and may enable greater consumer control over consumption, are being deployed at an increasing pace, especially in North America and Europe,” the release reads.