Boeing Co. won $8.56 million in pilot projects from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop prototype "smart-grid systems" in collaboration with two utility companies.

Boeing will "demonstrate an advanced smart-grid software technology with military-grade cybersecurity for improving regional transmission system planning and operation," the Energy Department said today in the statement. The award was one of 32 totaling $620 million funded by the $787 billion U.S. economic stimulus package.

"These demonstration projects will further our knowledge and understanding of what works best and delivers the best results for the smart grid, Energy Secretary Steven Chu said in the statement.

Boeing fell 66 cents, or 1.3 percent, to $51.97 at 4:15 p.m. in New York Stock Exchange composite trading.