The electric utility industry, specifically the power delivery side of the industry, will soon be responsible for creating tens of thousands of jobs and improving customer service and reliability in 49 states. At least that’s the purpose of the $3.4 billion the U.S. Department of Energy recently awarded to 100 companies to build the smart grid. Most press releases report the money will be used to install about 18 million smart meters, 700 automated substations and 200 advanced transformers.