How utility pilot programs are driving renewable energy integration

SCE and APS want to use electric vehicles, water heaters and demand response to help add more wind and solar to the grid.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 18, 2017

NREL report: Solar panel prices fell 30% in the first quarter of 2017

Most of the price decline is tied to the collapse of photovoltaic module prices as a result of a mismatch between supply and demand in China.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 18, 2017

The 3 keys to city inclusivity: Collaboration, access and P3s

This week's Inclusive Smart Cities Summit highlighted how policies and innovations that are mindful of all residents can benefit workplaces, transportation and future workforces.

By Kristin Musulin • Sept. 14, 2017

Can used batteries be the key to unlock EV charging profits?

EVgo has been testing onsite storage at a pilot electric vehicle charging station, aiming to reduce demand charges and make its stations more profitable.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2017

Tesla unveils first city-based Superchargers in Chicago and Boston

The newly-designed urban stations are intended to support customers who may not have immediate access to chargers in their homes or workplaces.

By Kristin Musulin • Sept. 13, 2017

Cybersecurity, resiliency focus of $50M funding for DOE labs

The funding targets next generation tools and technologies, with the largest chunk going to enhance the resiliency of distribution systems.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 13, 2017

Cyberattacks raise risk of access to US power system, Symantec says

The attacks in Europe and the U.S. could lead to hackers gaining control of power system operations, the security firm said.   

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 6, 2017

Arizona Public Service goes beyond LEDs with new efficiency proposals

Priorities include incentives for smart thermostats, electric vehicle charging infrastructure, energy storage and water heater timers.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 6, 2017

California lawmakers abandon $3B in proposed EV incentives for additional study

The state legislature radically rewrote a bill that would have boosted electric vehicle incentives, instead sending the issue to the state's Air Resources Board for examination.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 6, 2017

The 500-year storm: Quantifying Harvey’s destruction

In the first part of this multi-part series, Smart Cities Dive takes a look at the damage Houston has suffered from Hurricane Harvey — and the remediation efforts that will need to follow.

By Kristin Musulin • Aug. 31, 2017

DOE grid study will shift and accelerate energy regulatory initiatives

R Street Institute's Devin Hartman analyzes the DOE's grid study's impact on regulatory agencies and nationwide energy initatives. 

By Devin Hartman • Aug. 31, 2017

Data makes you smarter: Transforming your data to power tomorrow’s utilities and cities

Harnessing the power of data to drive demand response and energy efficiency programs is the next step in modernizing utilities and creating smarter sustainable cities.  

Aug. 31, 2017

Policymaker support key to offshore wind prospects in US

A Department of Energy report found the resource could cost-effectively deliver twice the nation’s electricity needs, but experts say it needs the right policy support. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 30, 2017

California utilities plot ways to prep the grid for the coming EV boom

Utilities are rolling out comprehensive pilot programs to boost EV deployment to meet the state's ambitious transportation goals and leverage grid benefits. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Aug. 22, 2017

US grid untroubled by total eclipse despite plunge in solar output

From California to South Carolina, as the sun slipped behind the moon yesterday, solar production plummeted and other generation sources stepped up.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 22, 2017

San Francisco awards $939M wastewater treatment plant upgrade contract

The project is part of a 20-year plan to upgrade the city's aging sewer systems as utilities join transportation infrastructure in competing for state and federal dollars.

By Kim Slowey • Aug. 21, 2017

Los Angeles speeds deployment of 20 MW battery storage project

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power accelerated the timeline for a proposed storage project to come online in 2018 instead of 2020. 

By Peter Maloney • Aug. 21, 2017

Austin Energy targets 65% renewables by 2027

The Austin City Council last week also directed the municipal utility to study the feasibility of reaching 100% renewables by 2030. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 21, 2017

Many DC cab drivers regret EV switch due to lack of charging stations

Cabbies in the District say they have to drive to Maryland or Virginia to charge their electric cabs, cutting into working hours and hurting earnings. 

By Cody Boteler • Aug. 17, 2017

Denver secures $1.8 billion public-private partnership for airport

A redeye Denver city council session led to the approval of a $1.8 billion contract to transform Denver International Airport.

By Jason Axelrod • Aug. 16, 2017

Why ubiquitous broadband and green ICT go hand-in-hand

Broadband is simply a fat pipe. It’s how we use broadband – the applications, solutions and services that ride on it – that can contribute to smart and sustainable communities.

By Charles Despins • Aug. 15, 2017

New York launches portal to connect businesses, utilities

The REV Connect website aims to help businesses and electric utilities develop new partnerships as part of the state goal to revamp the utility business model. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2017

San Diego County looks to rooftop solar, waste diversion to reach climate goals

The county issued a draft climate plan to cut greenhouse gases in unincorporated communities and county government operations and reach 90% renewable energy by 2030. 

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2017

New Massachusetts rules provide boost toward state climate goals

The Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court agreed last year with several conservation groups that the state was not on track to meet emissions reductions required by a 2008 law.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 14, 2017

The decades-long evolution of the connected vehicle

What’s been going on between the initial introduction of the connected car and where we're headed in the future?

By Kamyar Moinzadeh • Aug. 10, 2017