NC State University wants a portion of the $4.5 billion in federal recovery money set aside to modernize the nation's electric grid.

The university is home to the National Science Foundation's Engineering Research Center, honing in on future renewable electric energy and smart grids.

So far, 15 local companies have partnered with the center as they forge ahead to improve and interface information and energy technology.

Center Director Alex Huang said the university will partner with companies to submit as many as four proposals for recovery money worth tens of millions of dollars.

The key here is that proposals must show job creation to win the federal funding.

Congressman Bob Etheridge toured the center today and said, "It is the model we need for the 21st century. They got it on the ground and running, and as a result if any funds flow, some will end up on NC State's campus."

So how will smart grids help you at home?

Watch our broadcast story by clicking on the monitor above to learn more.

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