(a) In general The Secretary shall make competitive, merit-based grants to consortia for the development of micro-cogeneration energy technology. (b) Uses The consortia shall explore— (1) the use of small-scale combined heat and power in residential heating appliances; (2) the use of excess power to operate other appliances within the residence; and (3) the supply of excess generated power to the power grid. ( Pub. L. 109–58, title IX, § 923 , Aug. 8, 2005 , 119 Stat. 865 .)