Energy & Utilities
-
OpinionTo get to net zero, cities need to think wider than buildings
Solutions to climate change may lie in some old-fashioned values, like building strong communities, relying on neighbors and believing that design matters.
By Tom Sieniewicz • Nov. 14, 2019 -
OpinionLessons learned from Europe: What US cities must do to achieve a clean electric future
Cities are at the center of the battle against climate change, but they're also at the forefront of addressing the challenge — and European cities are outpacing the U.S. in their solutions.
By Rob Massoudi • Nov. 11, 2019 -
Deep DiveAre climate emergency declarations the new normal?
As cities wrestle with the urgent need to deal with the climate crisis, advocates say the declarations could be "coming to your city as a demand soon."
By Chris Teale • Nov. 04, 2019 -
StreetLight Data, Siemens partner to support EV deployments
The partnership will enable city planners to identify and prioritize the best locations for charging stations to maximize EV adoption and use.
By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 31, 2019 -
Deep DiveCalifornia may be a climate leader, but it could be a century behind on carbon goals: study
Power sector progress is masking the need to address emissions in transportation and industry, the nonprofit Next 10 found.
By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 30, 2019 -
OpinionCities can lead the way for vehicle grid integration
Since the dawn of the modern EV era, grid operators have warned that the vehicles could overwhelm grid distribution systems. The warning has yet to materialize, but the threat remains.
By Scott Shepard • Oct. 29, 2019 -
Hanging with the Lab Rats: NREL researchers lay groundwork to accelerate US clean energy transition
The DOE lab is examining the impacts of "turbulence" on wind turbines as well as how to integrate battery storage systems and hydrogen alongside electric vehicle technologies.
By Gloria Gonzalez • Oct. 23, 2019 -
231 mayors ask Congress for solar tax credit extension
The bipartisan group is requesting a five-year extension of the solar Investment Tax Credit, which they say could bring 113,000 jobs and $87 billion in economic investment by 2030.
By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 22, 2019 -
Deep DiveElectric revolution: How are cities overcoming EV range anxiety?
Cities need a wide-ranging strategy if they are to help more residents go electric in a way that is accessible and equitable, analysts say.
By Chris Teale • Oct. 17, 2019 -
Deep DiveElectric revolution: As EV demand increases, can utilities and cities keep up?
Utilities are increasingly helping cities prepare for transportation electrification while confronting increased power generation and delivery needs — often to areas already experiencing high demand.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 16, 2019 -
St. Louis releases inaugural energy benchmarking report for buildings
More efficient building performance would reduce the city's GHG emissions by at least 11%, saving more than $65 million in annual energy costs.
By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 16, 2019 -
ACEEE: Massachusetts leads on energy efficiency for 9th consecutive year
The council pegs efficiency-related employment as one of the largest subsets in the energy sector, accounting for more than 2.3 million jobs in 2018.
By Robert Walton • Oct. 02, 2019 -
Bipartisan support for resiliency grows as natural disasters worsen
Leaders at all levels of government recognize that the "ludicrous" status quo of infrastructure investment cannot continue.
By Chris Teale • Sept. 25, 2019 -
Cleveland, OH announces smart streetlight overhaul
The network will allow different light intensities, preprogrammed schedules for special events and maintenance alerts.
By Jason Plautz • Sept. 24, 2019 -
Leaders call on federal government to 'do something' amid dire climate warnings
"It's now a backyard issue," said Rep. Paul Tonko, D-NY. "The public is driving all of us to get to work and address climate as a crisis, as an epidemic."
By Chris Teale • Sept. 23, 2019 -
ACEEE: 'Ambitious' energy efficiency could halve US emissions by 2050
If cities are to hit climate goals and remain in step with targets outlined in the Paris climate agreement, they will need to take bold action.
By Chris Teale • Sept. 19, 2019 -
San Jose, CA to become largest US city to ban natural gas
If a final ordinance is approved, electric-only development will be required for most residential buildings, making way for increased EV infrastructure.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 19, 2019 -
Chicago to pilot less invasive water main repair techniques
The city has replaced 716 miles of water mains since 2012 which has largely involved tree removal, resulting in outcry from residents and officials.
By Jason Plautz • Sept. 17, 2019 -
San Francisco offers PG&E $2.5B for city's grid
The city's offer is part of a plan to develop a municipal provider and came three days before the bankrupt utility is expected to propose a path to solvency.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 10, 2019 -
National Climate Bank could mobilize $1T, report finds
A national bank that finances clean energy tech and infrastructure could generate up to $1 trillion over 30 years with just $35 billion of federal funds.
By Jason Plautz • Sept. 09, 2019 -
City grids risk being overwhelmed by EV growth
Electricity supplies could suffer without partnerships between utilities and city agencies, The Rocky Mountain Institute and Seattle City Light warned.
By Chris Teale • Sept. 09, 2019 -
Deep DiveClean energy tech is taking cues from sunflower spirals, schooling fish and other natural phenomena
By observing how plants, animals and even mud behave, renewable energy innovators are uncovering new ideas for improving efficiency and output.
By Shewta Narayan • Sept. 06, 2019 -
DOE revises light bulb efficiency standards
The U.S. Department of Energy says new standards for general service incandescent lamps are not economically justified. Efficiency advocates say they would save consumers billions. The fight is likely headed to court.
By Robert Walton • Sept. 05, 2019 -
OpinionIs smart glass a missed opportunity for the smart city?
Windows are the most obvious yet neglected aspect of connected buildings when it comes to making smarter living and working spaces.
By Craig Henricksen • Sept. 05, 2019 -
Pittsburgh mayor introduces energy efficiency legislation
The proposal, requiring that new and upgraded government buildings be net-zero energy efficient, follows the city's first energy benchmarking report.
By Katie Pyzyk • Sept. 04, 2019
