Energy & Utilities: Page 2

Q&A

Honolulu's resilience officer outlines path to carbon neutrality

Chief Resilience Officer Matthew Gonser discussed Honolulu's first Climate Action Plan and the creative way local leaders tackled tough climate conversations with local residents. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 21, 2021

Following Google's footsteps, Des Moines pledges 24/7 clean electricity by 2035

The city's resolution may make Des Moines one of the first U.S. communities to achieve 24/7 carbon-free electricity.

By Emma Penrod • Jan. 15, 2021

Biden advisor: US 'lost critical time' in climate change fight

National Economic Council Director-Designate Brian Deese said reentering the Paris agreement will be a top priority of Biden's administration, but more must be done to curb emissions.

By Chris Teale • Jan. 13, 2021

7 mobility startups to watch in 2021

These startups offer compelling solutions to the range of challenges the pandemic has introduced to U.S. cities. 

By Cailin Crowe • Jan. 05, 2021

The smart city news that shaped 2020

Smart Cities Dive identified 20 stories detailing the prevalent and groundbreaking trends that influenced a year like no other.

Clean energy groups applaud pick of former Michigan Gov. Granholm for DOE head

Granholm is known for staunchly supporting the automotive industry — which observers say could be an asset as the new administration attempts to boost the adoption of electric vehicles.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 18, 2020

Opinion

5 ways smart infrastructure shapes communities for the better

From improved transportation to data-driven decisions, smart cities are using technology to raise the bar for the world of tomorrow.

By Forrest Senti • Dec. 18, 2020

Biden taps North Carolina DEQ Secretary Regan for EPA

Under Michael Regan's watch at the DEQ, Duke Energy agreed to the largest coal ash cleanup in U.S. history.

By Catherine Morehouse • Dec. 18, 2020

EV models expected to triple in 4 years as declining battery costs boost adoption

Electric vehicles are approaching cost parity with traditional gas-powered vehicles, but experts disagree on how much more battery prices must drop.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 16, 2020

Smart Columbus pushes ahead on corporate decarbonization

The Smart Columbus Energy program is designed to help Central Ohio's corporate and industrial organizations transition to clean energy through wind and solar energy procurement.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 11, 2020

Cities play 'key role' in green COVID-19 recovery: report

The Rocky Mountain Institute and Bloomberg Philanthropies found local infrastructure projects and strong federal partners are significant in building a more resilient future.

By Chris Teale • Dec. 09, 2020

Dive Awards

The Smart Cities Dive Awards for 2020

In a year where cities and local officials had to weather unprecedented crises, the following awardees stood out for their bold leadership.

By Smart Cities Dive Team • Dec. 09, 2020

Mississippi Power plans 'smart neighborhood' with Tesla Solar Roofs

The community of up to 150 homes will feature Tesla Powerwall batteries, smart home automation and other energy-efficient equipment and appliances. 

By Cailin Crowe • Dec. 01, 2020

Deep Dive

Rate design innovations are boosting the energy transition

Success with time-of-use rates can allow utilities to integrate more variable and distributed generation, leading to more sophisticated time-varying rates.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 30, 2020

Opinion

4 strategies to rapidly scale clean energy in the next decade

To fully realize our shared climate goals and rebuild our economy, we must prioritize and enact policies to accelerate the national transition from fossil fuels to clean energy.

By Cameron Bard • Nov. 30, 2020

Boston roadmap details 10-minute EV access for all

The roadmap hinges on three key goals: widespread adoption of electrification; affordable and convenient access to charging infrastructure; and electrification of Boston's municipal fleet. 

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 25, 2020

Deep Dive

Wildfires pushed PG&E into bankruptcy. Should other utilities be worried?

Catastrophic wildfires, which can lead to billions of dollars in damages, present a unique financial risk that the utility sector will want to get ahead of.

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 20, 2020

Climate progress in 6 sectors too slow to limit global warming: report

The World Resources Institute and ClimateWorks said efforts to bolster electrification and renewable energy must accelerate, while deforestation and agricultural production raised red flags.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 19, 2020

Mayors unveil $60B plan to support Midwest energy transition

The Marshall Plan for Middle America aims to address the Ohio Valley region's projected 100,000 job losses triggered by a shift away from fossil fuels.

By Chris Teale • Nov. 16, 2020

San Francisco's gas ban on new buildings could prompt statewide action

The vote adds San Francisco to the growing list of nearly 40 California cities to pass such ordinances since Berkeley's historic ban in July 2019. 

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 12, 2020

Deep Dive

5 ballot initiatives poised to propel states, cities to 100% clean energy

At the local level, as in previous elections, energy is less prone to partisan politics in 2020.

By Catherine Morehouse • Nov. 05, 2020

30% of K-12 students lack at-home internet, devices: BCG

A new connectivity report found it could cost up to $11 billion to bridge the K-12 digital divide as COVID-19 forces more than 50 million students to learn remotely.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 04, 2020

Opinion

Digital transformation in utilities starts on the frontlines

As COVID-19 kicks the utility industry's digital efforts into high gear, companies should first focus on building a connected workforces.

By Cristian Grossmann • Nov. 02, 2020

NYC strengthens Climate Mobilization Act building requirements

Buildings with less than 35% of units under rent regulation will be required to comply with the act's emissions limits and not pass the costs to tenants, following a Thursday city council vote.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 30, 2020

Austin, TX is tapping its waterways to address racial equity

UT-Austin students partnered with Austin Water to address how the public utility can support racial equity through efforts like CAP assistance and advanced metering.

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 29, 2020