KNOXVILLE (AP) — The University of Tennessee has received a National Science Foundation grant to research the overhaul of the nation's electric power transmission system.

The $18 million grant is intended to help find ways to develop smart-grid technologies.

UT Chancellor Jimmy Cheek said the university has the experts and the tools to lead development of a greener, safer and smarter power grid.

The university's research center for power transmission involves a consortium of academic, industry and laboratory resource personnel.

The Department of Energy says that since 1982, an increase in peak electricity demand has outstripped growth in transmission capability by almost 25 percent.

The aim of the research is to develop methods to make the power grid more efficient and more reliable.