Massachusetts Governor Deval Patrick's administration is calling on the state's utilities to develop plans for modernizing the state's electricity grid.
Under an order issued Monday by the Department of Public Utilities, electric companies would have to invest in new advanced metering equipment.
Administration officials say advanced metering allows for stronger communication between utilities and customers that can help save energy and costs, and let the electric grid operate more efficiently.
The plan also calls for upgrades to communications networks and data management systems aimed at giving customers more control over energy use and providing better information on utilities' response to major storms.
The DPU also issued an order calling for the study of initiatives that would encourage more electric vehicle use in Massachusetts.
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