Energy and Global Warming News for September 1: DOE says 2 million smart meters installed nationwide; Nuclear giant Exelon switching to wind; L.A. mayor, Latinos take on oil companies over Prop 23

Energy Dept. says nationwide 'smart meter' army hits 2 million

The Energy Department said Tuesday more than 2 million "smart" electric meters have been installed nationwide, sped along by funding in the big 2009 stimulus law.

The devices help consumers and businesses track and control power consumption and, hence, costs.

Lots of them (more than 180,000) are in Ohio, where they're being distributed through a partnership between DOE and utility giant American Electric Power.

"As a result of an...