Stimulus award paves way for Pullman ‘Smart City’ project

A recent award of federal stimulus money could put Pullman and Albion on the path to better energy efficiency.

A group of energy companies, including Avista, is planning to move ahead on a $38 million “smart grid” energy project in Pullman and Albion, after the U.S. Department of Energy last week announced funding for the project.

The project is part of a $178 million five-state project by 12 energy companies that is being spearheaded by Battelle, the company that operates the Pacific Northwest National Laboratories in Richland.

“I think this project would not have gotten off the ground withou...