Energy & Utilities
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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 -
Chicago implements energy rating system for buildings
Energy reduction is a key part of the city's eco-efficiency plans, with buildings accounting for about 72% of the city's greenhouse gas emissions.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 26, 2019 -
RMI calls for national mandates on EV purchases, AV testing
The Rocky Mountain Institute warned the U.S. could fall further behind on new mobility options without stronger central leadership.
By Chris Teale • Aug. 23, 2019 -
Seattle mayor proposes heating oil tax to push electrification
Jenny Durkan said the 24 cents-per-gallon tax would cover rebates and grants to help 3,000 homes transition to electric power.
By Jason Plautz • Aug. 09, 2019 -
Los Angeles County passes ambitious climate plan
The OurCounty plan calls for eliminating fossil fuel production, increasing the sourcing of water locally and engaging disadvantaged communities in decision-making.
By Jason Plautz • Aug. 08, 2019 -
What's the best role for utilities as EVs proliferate?
A Public Service Commission order raises questions about how and if third-party charging companies should be regulated.
By Catherine Morehouse • Aug. 08, 2019 -
OpinionMonetizing microgrids: Utilities are missing a unique opportunity
As the energy industry transitions toward more distributed resources, electric utilities face a critical choice: embrace this opportunity or perceive it as a threat.
By Megan Kerins and Ana Sophia Mifsud • Aug. 07, 2019 -
Kansas City, MO's Smart Sewer Program cuts back-ups, overflows
Sensors and probes are detecting leaks and determining capacity as the city upgrades its sewer system — and the data shows it's working.
By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 02, 2019 -
Senate committee approves $1B for EV infrastructure
President Trump tweeted support for the bill Tuesday morning, saying "it will have BIG IMPACT on our highways and roads all across our Nation."
By Max Witynski • Aug. 01, 2019 -
Deep DiveHow AI and data turn city water management from an art to a science
Cities are looking to drones and other equipment for preventive maintenance, but it is uphill work as the sector traditionally resists change.
By Chris Teale • July 29, 2019 -
ACEEE scorecard: Few US cities on track to meet climate goals
Cities took on more than 265 climate initiatives in 2018 but most aren't adequately tracking their progress, and nearly 35% of cities have not set GHG reduction targets.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2019 -
Chicago introduces order to study municipalizing ComEd
With its utility contract expiring at the end of 2020, city leaders believe they could accelerate decarbonization and lower rates through municipalization.
By Catherine Morehouse • July 25, 2019 -
London showcases bridges with 'Illuminated River' art display
The installation was designed to mitigate environmental impacts with LED lighting and connected lighting software that scans the structure for faults.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 25, 2019 -
New York expands access to EV charging incentives, blocks Tesla from qualifying
The commission adopted a "technology neutral approach" to incentives available for new charging equipment, which it says will "better adapt to the rapid technological advancements in EVs."
By Robert Walton • July 23, 2019 -
Pittsburgh's smart garbage cans help streamline public works
By installing more than 1,200 smart cans, the city faces an estimated $1.54 million in savings annually.
By Jason Plautz • July 22, 2019 -
Cincinnati to add more EVs to its city fleet
The city is also engaging in programs to increase citizens' awareness of and exposure to EVs through partnerships with local and regional bodies.
By Katie Pyzyk • July 18, 2019
