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

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