Waltham-based energy company National Grid received a $2.18 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a smart grid workforce training program.
National Grid plans to train 4,900 employees in Massachusetts and New York on various “smart grid” functions.
A smart grid is the next evolution of the electricity network that will involve two-way communication, advanced sensors and specialized computers to track and control energy use.
National Grid’s program was one of 54 in the United States selected to receive a share of nearly $100 million in DOE funding.
National Grid has also proposed a pilot smart grid program in Worcester. The utility is awaiting federal funding to move forward with that project.
