Cities can lead the way for vehicle grid integration

Since the dawn of the modern EV era, grid operators have warned that the vehicles could overwhelm grid distribution systems. The warning has yet to materialize, but the threat remains.

By Scott Shepard • Oct. 29, 2019

Hanging with the Lab Rats: NREL researchers lay groundwork to accelerate US clean energy transition

The DOE lab is examining the impacts of "turbulence" on wind turbines as well as how to integrate battery storage systems and hydrogen alongside electric vehicle technologies.

By Gloria Gonzalez • Oct. 23, 2019

231 mayors ask Congress for solar tax credit extension

The bipartisan group is requesting a five-year extension of the solar Investment Tax Credit, which they say could bring 113,000 jobs and $87 billion in economic investment by 2030.

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 22, 2019

Electric revolution: How are cities overcoming EV range anxiety?

Cities need a wide-ranging strategy if they are to help more residents go electric in a way that is accessible and equitable, analysts say.

By Chris Teale • Oct. 17, 2019

Electric revolution: As EV demand increases, can utilities and cities keep up?

Utilities are increasingly helping cities prepare for transportation electrification while confronting increased power generation and delivery needs — often to areas already experiencing high demand.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 16, 2019

St. Louis releases inaugural energy benchmarking report for buildings

More efficient building performance would reduce the city's GHG emissions by at least 11%, saving more than $65 million in annual energy costs. 

By Cailin Crowe • Oct. 16, 2019

ACEEE: Massachusetts leads on energy efficiency for 9th consecutive year

The council pegs efficiency-related employment as one of the largest subsets in the energy sector, accounting for more than 2.3 million jobs in 2018.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 2, 2019

Bipartisan support for resiliency grows as natural disasters worsen

Leaders at all levels of government recognize that the "ludicrous" status quo of infrastructure investment cannot continue. 

By Chris Teale • Sept. 25, 2019

Cleveland, OH announces smart streetlight overhaul

The network will allow different light intensities, preprogrammed schedules for special events and maintenance alerts.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 24, 2019

Leaders call on federal government to ‘do something’ amid dire climate warnings

"It's now a backyard issue," said Rep. Paul Tonko, D-NY. "The public is driving all of us to get to work and address climate as a crisis, as an epidemic." 

By Chris Teale • Sept. 23, 2019

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. 9, 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. 9, 2019

Clean 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. 6, 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. 5, 2019

Is 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. 5, 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. 4, 2019

Chicago buildings saved $74M from energy benchmarking: report

The city released its 2019 Energy Benchmarking report, finding participating buildings reduced emissions 15%, equal to removing 200,000 cars annually.

By Katie Pyzyk • Updated April 8, 2021

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. 9, 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. 8, 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. 8, 2019