Energy & Utilities: Page 2

Few states have comprehensive plans to integrate the expected surge in EVs: report

With regulators having approved more than $3 billion in vehicle electrification programs, the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy calls for a more holistic planning approach.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 7, 2022

Arup, startup are building smart city modeling tools to maximize energy efficiency

With Matidor, the partners seek to help civil engineers see the environmental impact and energy efficiency of what they’re developing in real time.

By Maria Rachal • Sept. 2, 2022

Explore the Trendline➔

Vehicle Electrification

Cities and states are trying to harness the growing electric vehicle market to meet decarbonization goals while ensuring the rollout of these vehicles is being done equitably. Their efforts are aided by an influx of federal support.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

15 states should be prioritized for EV infrastructure, EV Council report suggests

To support increased numbers of electric vehicles, large cities and rural states in the South and Midwest will be challenged to provide enough charging stations, according to a report this month.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 29, 2022

Growing building sector carbon emissions threaten 2050 net-zero goal, report warns

U.S. economywide greenhouse gas emissions fell 12% from 2005 to 2019, but direct emissions from the building sector were higher, according to an Information Technology and Innovation Foundation report this week.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 24, 2022

State NEVI plans raise concerns about EV charging infrastructure rollout

Grid capacity, plus Buy America and matching fund requirements, are among states’ worries about the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure program, which aims to put charging stations every 50 miles along interstate highways.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 23, 2022

The power of clean transportation in an equitable energy future

Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is electrifying our transportation sector.

Aug. 22, 2022

How cities can prepare for the Inflation Reduction Act’s climate opportunities

With billions of dollars for energy efficiency upgrades, urban park enhancements and more signed into law this week, experts share tips on how cities can start preparing for funding opportunities now.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 19, 2022

District of Columbia regulators approve $92M energy efficiency program with focus on low- and moderate-income residents

The three-year program is expected to result in almost 1% annual energy savings.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 18, 2022

Inflation Reduction Act concerns, shortfalls seen by EV, clean energy, environmental leaders

Strict requirements for making EVs and content sourcing for critical minerals could challenge manufacturers, experts say, and climate progress depends on governments using funds from the climate and infrastructure laws wisely.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 18, 2022

Boston aims to eliminate fossil fuels in new buildings

The city’s chance to set new building standards comes from the climate bill the Massachusetts governor signed last week, which extends that opportunity to 10 municipalities in the state. 

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 17, 2022

Support for housing efficiency upgrades, urban parks, drought resilience poised to become law

With the House sending the Inflation Reduction Act to the president’s desk, some climate leaders say the onus will shift to local governments to execute on key initiatives.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 15, 2022

Chicago commits to 100% renewable energy at city facilities by 2025

The clean energy agreement “helps build the market” while encouraging smaller cities and municipalities “to make similar commitments,” said a senior attorney at the Environmental Law & Policy Center.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 15, 2022

New York public housing is poised for electric heating and cooling upgrades from a California startup

Vince Romanin, the CEO of Gradient, discusses the market for heat pumps and a New York City Housing Authority contract to rethink HVAC for residents vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 10, 2022

EV adoption might be hindered by DMV fees: report

Some of the same states that incentivize EV purchases charge additional fees to EV owners, but they could restructure those fees to align with emissions goals, according to a July RMI report.

By Dan Zukowski • Aug. 10, 2022

Mayors and city leaders voice support for Inflation Reduction Act

The bill, which passed the Senate on Sunday, represents the largest climate investment in U.S. history and has garnered support from cities seeking to lower greenhouse gas emissions and boost resilience.

By Danielle McLean • Aug. 9, 2022

Building performance standards momentum slowly grows in the wake of White House efforts

A Maryland county’s policy represents one of the only major updates so far, but more localities have said they’ll pursue standards. Funds in the Inflation Reduction Act could provide new incentives to decarbonize buildings.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 8, 2022

MCE: The power of an equitable energy future

Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is creating an equitable clean energy future.

Aug. 8, 2022

Together, EVs, AVs and multimodal transportation will create more vibrant cities

Gas stations, subway stations, parking garages and roads are among the city features we can reimagine as new mobility technologies change how we get from point A to point B, writes a leading exec at Gensler.

By Andy Cohen • Aug. 5, 2022

Electric heat pumps will be the cheapest clean option to heat most US homes by 2030: ACEEE

To advance the transition to carbon-free heating, a report calls for additional research and development, incentives and grants to support installation, minimum efficiency standards for heating equipment, and other policies.

By Robert Walton • July 28, 2022

National EV charging network needs private investment incentives, retailers say

The federal government is preparing to disburse $5 billion to states for the development of a national electric vehicle charging network, but retailers say policies must change to incentivize private investment.

By Robert Walton • July 27, 2022

To address its climate emergency, Portland, Oregon, lays out a 43-step plan

Creating resilience hubs and replacing petroleum diesel at the pump are among the top actions city officials intend to pursue in the coming years after declaring a climate emergency in 2020. 

By Maria Rachal • July 26, 2022

Massachusetts passes 'landmark' climate bill to decarbonize buildings, transportation

The bill in part requires annual energy usage reports from buildings 20,000 square feet or larger and creates a pilot for 10 municipalities to offer fossil fuel-free home renovations, targeting affordable housing and multifamily housing.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • July 25, 2022

No city is immune to extreme weather

As severe weather events become more frequent, government leaders put disaster relief plans in place.

July 25, 2022

The power of a clean energy economy

Learn how MCE, a Bay Area clean electricity provider, is building a clean energy workforce.

July 25, 2022

New York City expands role in ConEd demand response program amid second week of stifling temperatures

The city’s increased participation can reduce peak energy demand by 115 MW, officials said. 

By Robert Walton • July 21, 2022