Energy & Utilities

Deep Dive

COVID-19 may sport the thinnest silver lining: a cleaner climate

There is evidence of declining carbon emissions and improved air quality as societies lock down. Experts say potential stimulus funding could present an opportunity to perpetuate these changes.

By Chris Teale • March 19, 2020

Opinion

Will solar work for low-income communities?

Solar for low- and moderate-income customers should either provide guaranteed savings or allow customers to easily withdraw from the contract at any time, the author writes.

By Warren Leon • March 06, 2020

Opinion

Entrepreneurs must focus on serving frontline populations

The world needs creative entrepreneurs operating at the nexus of community and climate to avoid worsening climate disasters and inequality.

By Kevin de León, Sara Chandler • March 03, 2020

NYC cracks down on building efficiency with new energy code

The 2020 NYC Energy Conservation Code is part of the city’s Green New Deal and will require new and existing buildings meet stricter efficiency standards. 

By Jason Plautz • March 02, 2020

Spending more on renewables 'inappropriate' as tech is already viable: DOE Secretary

Secretary Dan Brouillette defended President Donald Trump's proposed budget for energy efficiency and renewables, which cuts funding by 74%.

By Catherine Morehouse • March 02, 2020

Charlotte, NC's green tariff solar deal could spark wider trend in cities

The city council approved a 35-megawatt project to generate 24% of its municipal electricity, making it the most populous U.S. city to acquire large-scale solar through a green tariff.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 25, 2020

Arizona set to preempt local natural gas bans

The state legislature passed a bill to prevent cities from banning natural gas infrastructure in new buildings, which is a growing trend in California.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 21, 2020

Jeff Bezos commits $10B to climate. How should he spend it?

The funding "dwarfs other philanthropy in this realm," and could go toward anything from an amplified Beyond Carbon campaign to a mass EV rollout, stakeholders said.

By Catherine Morehouse • Feb. 19, 2020

California agency proposes pilots to decarbonize buildings

The state's Public Utilities Commission outlined two programs to incentivize near-zero emission technologies in residential buildings.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 19, 2020

IDC: Global smart city spending to total $124B

The spending would represent an 18.9% increase compared to 2019, with many opportunities for growth in small and mid-size cities.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 14, 2020

NYC preps for $13M curbside EV charging pilot

Utility company Consolidated Edison is working with the city's Department of Transportation to roll out 60 dual-charger posts across the five boroughs.

By Robert Walton • Feb. 14, 2020

US doubled renewables capacity since 2010: factbook

Cities have played a key role in the rise of renewable energy, especially solar and wind, due to building energy codes and benchmarking policies.

By Jason Plautz • Feb. 14, 2020

Lime pledges zero-emission operations fleet by 2030

The company is looking to further its sustainability efforts following a 2019 study that called out operators' use of gas-powered re-distribution vans.

By Chris Teale • Feb. 07, 2020

Shell calls for transit 'revolution,' invests in mobile ticketing platform

The latest move from the oil and gas company, which has come under fire for environmental abuses in the past, aims to boost transit ridership to reach a "net zero" world.  

By Chris Teale • Feb. 06, 2020

Reimagining the grid: How utilities are prepping for transportation electrification

There's no question that electric vehicles can provide a net benefit to the system, according to Portland General Electric President and CEO Maria Pope.

By Kavya Balaraman • Feb. 05, 2020

ACEEE: Honolulu, NYC lead clean energy resilience plans

A study found few cities include comprehensive initiatives for energy efficiency or renewable power in their resilience strategies.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 31, 2020

Automakers: New tech, battery advances will curb EV range anxiety

Automakers including Ford, VW and Chevrolet gathered at the Washington Auto Show on Thursday to display new EV offerings and discuss consumer outreach strategies. 

By Chris Teale • Jan. 24, 2020

'Mini megacities' to watch for commercial construction: Columbus, OH

Thanks to corporate, tech and public developments, the capital of the Buckeye State is enjoying the largest construction boom in its history.

By Jenn Goodman • Jan. 23, 2020

New York regulators recommend charging infrastructure plan expected to deliver $2.6B in net benefits

The program will also cover up to 90% of costs for "make-ready" charging stations to lower cost barriers for developers.

By Catherine Morehouse • Jan. 21, 2020

Opinion

4 ways to address the growing water inequality crisis

While upgrading the nation's water infrastructure will come with a steep cost, we have the means to give every person in America equitable access to clean drinking water.

By Chris Shaffner • Jan. 21, 2020

Reps introduce TREES Act to expand urban canopies

The bill would create a grant program for free or reduced-cost tree planting services to lower energy costs and mitigate the impacts of climate change.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 16, 2020

Seattle to transition city-owned buildings away from fossil fuels

The first round of building electrification plans are due this summer after an executive order from Mayor Jenny Durkan advancing a Green New Deal.

By Katie Pyzyk • Jan. 10, 2020

NYC's Circular City program to focus on sustainability in 2020

The joint effort from New Lab and the New York City Economic Development Corporation will test solutions for the city's transition to a circular economy. 

By Chris Teale • Jan. 10, 2020

7 trends that will define smart cities in 2020

Cities are primed for big transformation, including scooter company consolidation, car-free zone planning and increased flying car investments.

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 02, 2020

House Dems introduce legislation to create National Climate Bank

The independent, nonprofit $35 billion bank could mobilize up to $1 trillion for capital and technical help of clean energy projects or regional-level climate banks. 

By Jason Plautz • Dec. 16, 2019