TXU Electric Delivery and Current Communications Group have forged a deal to broadband-enable TXU's power grid.

Under a 10-year, $150 million deal, Current has signed on to design, build and operate the broadband over powerline (BPL) network, which will offer high-speed data services to about 2 million homes and businesses in the Dallas-Forth Worth area, and other parts of Texas.

They expect to begin the BPL network deployment in 2006.

The resulting "Smart Grid" will be based on BPL overlay technology from Current. In addition to data services, the companies hope to offer video and voice services.

TXU Corp., the parent of TXU Electric Delivery, said it will become an equity holder in Current, joining companies such as Google Inc., The Hearst Corp. and Liberty Associated Partners.