A $450,000 grant to Illinois State University will help teachers and their students learn more about cutting-edge electricity distribution.
Reports indicate ISU's Center for Mathematics, Science and Technology and the Center for Renewable Energy is constructing demonstrations to explain "smart grid" technology - measuring how much electric power is used, and when, with lower prices for periods of lower demand.
Utility companies are preparing to introduce smart grid to Illinois.
The grant from the Illinois Science and Energy Innovation Foundation is funding projects such as writing curricula and building a diorama and simulated household rooms to show electric distribution - including a kitchen, bathroom with a whirlpool and a utility room with appliances.
The models will be set up in school auditoriums.