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

Spokane officials call for Washington rep’s resignation following claims of surveillance

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.Local lead...

By Jason Axelrod • Aug. 20, 2019

Smarter salt spreading technologies balance environment concerns and safer roads

Our nation’s increasingly harsh winters demand an effective and affordable means of de-icing roadways in order to help us get around safely.

By Seth Faber • Aug. 14, 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

Breaking the cycle

Some cities are utilizing unorthodox tactics to end the cyclical nature of retaliatory gun violence, but critics aren’t convinced these methods work

By Derek Prall • Aug. 7, 2019

Monetizing microgrids: Utilities are missing a unique opportunity

As the energy industry transitions toward more distributed resources, electric utilities face a critical choice: embrace this opportunity or perceive it as a threat.

By Megan Kerins and Ana Sophia Mifsud • Aug. 7, 2019

Kansas City, MO’s Smart Sewer Program cuts back-ups, overflows

Sensors and probes are detecting leaks and determining capacity as the city upgrades its sewer system — and the data shows it's working.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 2, 2019

Senate committee approves $1B for EV infrastructure

President Trump tweeted support for the bill Tuesday morning, saying "it will have BIG IMPACT on our highways and roads all across our Nation."

By Max Witynski • Aug. 1, 2019

How AI and data turn city water management from an art to a science

Cities are looking to drones and other equipment for preventive maintenance, but it is uphill work as the sector traditionally resists change.

By Chris Teale • July 29, 2019

ACEEE scorecard: Few US cities on track to meet climate goals

Cities took on more than 265 climate initiatives in 2018 but most aren't adequately tracking their progress, and nearly 35% of cities have not set GHG reduction targets. 

By Katie Pyzyk • July 26, 2019

Chicago introduces order to study municipalizing ComEd

With its utility contract expiring at the end of 2020, city leaders believe they could accelerate decarbonization and lower rates through municipalization. 

By Catherine Morehouse • July 25, 2019

London showcases bridges with ‘Illuminated River’ art display

The installation was designed to mitigate environmental impacts with LED lighting and connected lighting software that scans the structure for faults.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 25, 2019

New York expands access to EV charging incentives, blocks Tesla from qualifying

The commission adopted a "technology neutral approach" to incentives available for new charging equipment, which it says will "better adapt to the rapid technological advancements in EVs." 

By Robert Walton • July 23, 2019

Pittsburgh’s smart garbage cans help streamline public works

By installing more than 1,200 smart cans, the city faces an estimated $1.54 million in savings annually. 

By Jason Plautz • July 22, 2019

Investigation: Dallas government hired engineer charged with fraud

Editor's note: This article was originally published in American City & County, which has merged with Smart Cities Dive to bring you expanded coverage of city innovation and local government. For the latest in smart city news, explore Smart Cities Dive or sign up for our newsletter.A Dallas Morni...

By Jason Axelrod • July 21, 2019

Cincinnati to add more EVs to its city fleet

The city is also engaging in programs to increase citizens' awareness of and exposure to EVs through partnerships with local and regional bodies.

By Katie Pyzyk • July 18, 2019

Berkeley, CA sets historic law banning natural gas from new buildings

Berkeley is the first U.S. city to pass such a measure, designed to curb GHG emissions and prepare new buildings for electric infrastructure.

By Kristin Musulin • July 18, 2019