Central Maine Power Co.'s controversial smart grid proposal has gotten the OK from state utilities regulators.

The Maine Public Utilities Commission yesterday approved CMP's plan to invest in "smart meters," which transmit electricity consumption information directly to the utility, as part of an advanced metering infrastructure, according to a press release. The project will save CMP customers $25 million over 20 years by reducing utility operational costs, and will improve customer service and encourage energy efficiency, the PUC found. CMP in October won a $96 million grant from the U.S. Department of Energy, which will pay for about half of the $190 million project.

The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 1837 has criticized the project, saying it would result in 141 fewer jobs. The project is slated to be finished by mid-2012. CMP's parent company, Iberdrola USA, last week announced it would lay off 40 nonunion workers.