Energy & Utilities

Reassessing the smart cities movement

Smart Cities Dive asked 25 of the largest U.S. cities how they define a "smart city" and how it's evolved, the challenges they've faced in rolling out equitable policies and technologies, and their outlook for what's next.

By the Smart Cities Dive Team • Nov. 9, 2021

As Tesla, Ford and others invest billions in EVs, will the power system be ready?

The new White House zero emission vehicle target of 50% of new car sales by 2030 has a long way to go, a short time to get there, and big challenges ahead.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2021

The wrong policies will hinder electrification — here's what we need to do

The challenge is how to expand consumer adoption and speed up the transition to electric cars and efficient electric heating systems, writes a commissioner with the Rhode Island Public Utilities Commission.

By Abigail Anthony • Oct. 21, 2021

We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to meet cities' pressing needs. Let's get it done.

Passing the Biden infrastructure bill will have ripple effects across the U.S., writes Phoenix Mayor Kate Gallego, driving investments in areas including electric vehicles, energy efficiency and recycling infrastructure. 

By Kate Gallego • Oct. 18, 2021

Time for utility companies to step up by supporting the Clean Electricity Performance Program

Achieving more clean energy is feasible, affordable and would benefit our economy and public health without compromising power system reliability, writes Ceres' senior program director of climate and energy.

By Dan Bakal • Oct. 15, 2021

Denver creates new role to advance building decarbonization incentives

As buildings and homes account for 64% of the city's GHG emissions, the city created what's believed to be a first-of-its-kind role to support new strategies after voters greenlit a $40 million Climate Protection Fund last year.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 28, 2021

Portland, Maine, to bulk-purchase clean energy equipment in electrification push

The “Electrify Everything” campaign focuses on voluntary measures. “If someone wants to decarbonize 100%, that’s great. But we know most people want help just taking the first step," said the city's sustainability coordinator.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 23, 2021

New technology necessary to meet utility decarbonization goals, experts warn

Legislation before Congress could provide a crucial boost to various clean energy and other technologies needed to get the electric grid over the last hump, according to panelists at the National Clean Energy Week conference.

By Scott Van Voorhis • Sept. 22, 2021

City leaders should expand their purview of electric transportation beyond cars, experts urge

Bringing electrification to underserved communities will require access, collaboration and outreach, and an emphasis on electrifying school buses, public transit, ride-share and more, panelists at an ICF webinar said Tuesday.

By Dan Zukowski • Sept. 16, 2021

Connecticut falls behind state's GHG goals: 'We told you so,' says Acadia Center

Despite the rise in emissions, the electric sector "shows encouraging results," the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. Proposed new gas projects are a step in the wrong direction, though, advocates warn.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2021

Utility shutoff moratoriums protected many consumers earlier in the pandemic. What happens now?

Cities and states are looking at how to help residents likely to lose power once utility shutoff moratoriums end. 

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 8, 2021

Los Angeles approves 100% clean energy by 2035, moving original target up by a decade

The LA100 plan would see the city replace its natural gas electricity generation with wind, solar and battery storage, while also improving energy efficiency and transmission.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 2, 2021

Residential electric panels are a nearly $100B 'roadblock' to full electrification, report finds

Up to 48 million U.S. homes may require electric panel upgrades to charge electric vehicles or switch away from appliances now running on natural gas or other fossil fuels, according to research from Pecan Street.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 1, 2021

Tesla made electric trucks 'cool.' Now fleets face financial hurdles.

Total cost of ownership for electric trucks is more attractive than diesel, a Navistar executive said at ACT Expo. But issues around charging are significant.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 31, 2021

WRI lays out options for large energy users to decarbonize beyond renewables procurement

The study highlights Des Moines, Iowa, the first U.S. city to commit to a 24/7 carbon free electricity target by 2035, as an example for innovation.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 24, 2021

Solar could be 40% of US generation by 2035 but requires more investment, White House finds

Solar industry groups greeted the recent Biden administration report on the potential growth of the solar industry with enthusiasm, saying they hope tax reforms to improve incentives are in the works.

By Emma Penrod • Aug. 23, 2021

Arizona 2050 clean energy mandate could increase utility bills nearly $60/month, study finds

A state mandate to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050 could increase utility bills, but clean energy advocates warn the projection should be taken "with a grain of salt," as new technologies could help lower costs.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2021

As Senate passes infrastructure bill, Democrats eye opportunity for more energy spending

Sustainability efforts could be aided by the $3.5 trillion budget resolution, approved by the Senate last week, which contains more tax credits and incentives for renewable energy, including a clean electricity payment program.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 16, 2021

California takes a first-of-its-kind step on building decarbonization

Following many cities' actions to rein in building emissions, the state energy commission voted to adopt an updated building energy code that makes electric heat pumps the baseline technology for space and water heating.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 12, 2021

'An enormous lift': Biden's goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 will test supply chains, utilities, experts say

Biden's lofty goal will run in tandem to investments in EV infrastructure. But other supports, like to manufacturing supply chains, are needed as well.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2021

120 EV charging stations to be installed at California apartment complexes through state partnership

Backed by state funding, the initiative with platform EVmatch could entice lower-income renters to purchase an electric vehicle.

By Danielle McLean • Aug. 6, 2021

Kansas City streetlight-mounted EV charger pilot aims for equity, accessibility

Most EV charging happens at home overnight, but not for the many people without garages. The Missouri city's federally funded charging project meets residents where they are and is helping to guide others through uncharted territory.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 4, 2021

DOE says new building codes to cut energy costs by $138B, but EV backers see failure to advance charging

A requirement that new homes be wired for electric vehicle charging was not included in the final version.

By Robert Walton • July 30, 2021

Senate votes to advance bill with $550B for aging US infrastructure

Far smaller than Biden's American Jobs Plan, the bipartisan bill will next enter a phase of debates and amendments.

By Zachary Phillips • Updated July 29, 2021

Indiana DOT, Purdue developing wireless EV charging for highways

The aim is to create the first paved highway segment that contains contactless, wireless technologies to charge electric vehicles as they drive over it.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated July 29, 2021