Energy & Utilities

Exelon Innovation Expo highlights power of 'employing your brain'

Utilities and cities must not be afraid to fail, speakers said, because the rewards of a new idea working well are high and can benefit the whole community.

By Chris Teale , Sean Gibbons • Aug. 17, 2018

California moves to preserve vehicle standards in face of EPA rollback

State air regulators on Tuesday released a plan that would keep tougher emissions rules in place for California if the Trump administration moves to weaken federal standards. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 09, 2018

Report: DOE, DHS planning new grid cybersecurity exercise this fall

The Liberty Eclipse exercise will focus on blackstart capabilities and the intersection of the natural gas and electric power sectors, E&E News reports. 

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 07, 2018

Mayors condemn EPA's proposed freeze on auto emissions standards

The Climate Mayors coalition said the plan is an "unprecedented attack on both the environment and states' rights" and pledged to do more to combat climate change.

By Chris Teale • Aug. 03, 2018

EPA proposes to freeze auto emission standards, revoke California EV rules

The move could be met with opposition from utilities, which support pro-EV policies, but the EPA administrator said he is open to compromise with California.

By Gavin Bade • Aug. 02, 2018

The students bringing smart city concepts to life with 'unconstrained creativity'

At NYU's 2018 Science of Smart Cities program, founder Ben Esner lauded students' efforts to build innovations like climate-measuring drones and smart bridge technology.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 02, 2018

Opinion

The shift to renewables can't wait until 2035

Cities and universities play an important role in reducing carbon emissions through sustainable energy practices. But many are baking unreasonable timelines into their plans for carbon neutrality.

By Bryce Smith

Report: Trump will move to rescind California vehicle emission, EV rules

The move could be met with opposition from utilities, which have stepped up their support for electric vehicles in the past year.

By Gavin Bade • July 24, 2018

New York utilities outline 'transformative' uses for blockchain

The four utilities will research blockchain and learn from other industries as the technology evolves, with the ultimate goal of drawing up a joint proof-of-concept and testing their findings.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 23, 2018

NRDC urges cities, states to commit to pollution cuts in transportation

A new report says jurisdictions should use more electric vehicles in transit and build more affordable housing near stations.

By Chris Teale • July 20, 2018

Toronto issues first green bond, joins food waste initiative

The two announcements fit into the city's ambitious sustainability goals to reduce GHG emissions to 30% below 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% by 2050.

By Jason Plautz • July 20, 2018

ACEEE: Rural households pay 40% more on energy than urban counterparts

Report authors emphasize the need for utilities and governments to extend incentive programs to more residents and ensure that more households can take advantage of retrofit opportunities.

By Jason Plautz • July 19, 2018

Cities, businesses join international push to promote EVs

The Zero Emissions Vehicle (ZEV) Challenge from The Climate Group and C40 Cities seeks to build more purchasing and lobbying power around electric cars.

By Jason Plautz • July 18, 2018

Report details 'bottom-up' climate strategies for cities, states

The America’s Pledge report covers 10 opportunities for climate action, including expanding renewable energy and accelerating retirement of coal power.

By Jason Plautz • July 18, 2018

DC considering 100% renewable by 2032, but no carbon tax

A new measure could require 100% renewable energy, but some advocates are disappointed that the bill did not require a carbon tax.

By Robert Walton • July 16, 2018

Opinion

Bill Gates' proposed smart city could also be a water-constrained one

The plan for Belmont's construction should include an acknowledgement of and robust planning for Arizona's long-term water crisis.

By Gillan Taddune

UK to push for electric car charges in all new homes

The strategy is a step in the U.K.’s plan to clean up its car fleet, with the ultimate goal of stopping sales of conventional fuel vehicles by 2040. 

By Jason Plautz • July 12, 2018

Nation's first electric double-decker buses arriving in Los Angeles

The Foothill Transit agency will add two buses next year for its downtown commuter line as part of an initiative to be fully electric by 2030.

By Chris Teale • July 12, 2018

Seattle City Council approves electricity rate hike

The city has become so energy efficient that the utility says it can't cover operating expenses, leaving a shortfall that must be made up.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2018

St. Paul, MN sets plan to make buildings carbon neutral

A two-year study of carbon emissions within city limits found that physical structures accounted for 52% of the city’s carbon footprint, outpacing transportation.

By Jason Plautz • July 10, 2018

10 times fiction predicted smart city advancements

From data analytics to hyperloop and cutting-edge transportation methods, many smart city concepts aren't entirely original ideas.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 10, 2018

EVs could drive 38% rise in US electricity demand, DOE lab finds

Increasing demand could lead to sustained absolute growth of 80 terawatt-hours per year, according to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory.

By Robert Walton • July 10, 2018