As feds focus on baseload, grid modernization is sweeping the nation

More than 30 states are considering far-reaching modernization and utility business model reforms, including new initiatives to integrate battery storage into grid planning processes. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 15, 2017

US cities, businesses highlight climate efforts at UN meeting

"There is nothing Washington can do to stop us," former New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said of the efforts.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 14, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Smart Cities Dive

From worsening climate change to a shifting transportation landscape and the housing affordability crisis, cities have their work cut out for them.

By Smart Cities Dive staff

4 Alaska communities collaborate on wind-diesel microgrid

The project integrates wind power into the system and significantly lowers residents' heating costs.

By Katie Pyzyk • Nov. 10, 2017

The future of wind farms

The force behind the proliferation of wind farms could lose momentum, depending on how the next tax reform bill addresses energy tax credits.

By Kim Slowey • Nov. 10, 2017

How much energy do those programs save? New tool aims to track and boost efficiency

The National Energy Efficiency Registry will collect data with an eye toward improving measurement and verification of savings, ultimately boosting investments in reducing demand.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 8, 2017

Empowering cities by rethinking wireless networks

The rapidly expanding implementation of smart architecture and infrastructure is shaping the functionality and future of the smart grid. 

By Keith Teichmann • Nov. 6, 2017

USDA to invest $2.5B for rural grid upgrades

The funding will support infrastructure improvements for rural areas in more than two dozen states.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 3, 2017

San Francisco outlines comprehensive flood resilience strategy

The city has proposed $700 million of flood work to be included in the Sewer System Improvement Program over the next 15 years.

By Kristin Musulin • Nov. 3, 2017

ITC proposes 3 solar trade case remedies with tariffs, quotas and capped imports

The agency will send three remedy recommendations to President Donald Trump, who has final say. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Nov. 1, 2017

New York Green Bank seeks $1B in private sector funding for clean energy projects

The bank also plans to start working with other states to help them establish similar funding entities.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 1, 2017

GE enters deal to make New York Power Authority 'first fully digital utility'

The agreement aims to digitize NYPA's entire system to boost reliability and decrease its carbon footprint. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 30, 2017

Technology, markets and contracts — oh my! The keys to profiting from California's duck curve

California policymakers look to address renewables over-generation through smart investments in supply- and demand-side resources.

By Herman K. Trabish • Oct. 30, 2017

Tesla's first Puerto Rico battery project is a microgrid at a children's hospital

Small renewable energy and battery-based projects are being deployed on the island, while efforts continue to rebuild the bulk power grid. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 25, 2017

Atlanta to offer property owners $500M in bonds for clean energy projects

The bonds will be available for projects related to energy efficiency, water conservation and renewable energy.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 24, 2017

Hawaii expands rooftop solar, storage options for residential customers

A “Smart Export” program offers a new compensation option for customers installing the distributed energy resources.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 24, 2017

DOE to fund $15M for fast electric vehicle charging research

The department's goal is to develop plug-in electric vehicle systems that can decrease charge time to 15 minutes or less.

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 24, 2017

12 major cities sign declaration to promote clean transit

By signing the Fossil-Fuel Free Streets Declaration, mayors pledged to transition to zero-emissions buses and extend green city areas.

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 23, 2017

Portland, ME may soon install Wi-Fi in its street lights

The city is looking to install smart technologies on its lampposts in addition to energy efficient LED lightbulbs.

By Katie Pyzyk • Oct. 23, 2017

New Florida muni solar program cuts NEM rates, includes battery storage incentives

Jacksonville Electric Authority seeks to procure 250 MW of utility-scale solar and provide battery storage rebates, while trimming the net metering rate for new customers to the utility's fuel rate. 

By Robert Walton • Oct. 23, 2017

Toronto officially announces Sidewalk Labs as smart city partner

"Sidewalk Toronto" will become an innovation playground for Google's sister subsidiary.

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 19, 2017

Sonnen plans solar+storage virtual power plant in Arizona home development

Mandalay Homes has partnered with Germany's Sonnen to install smart residential energy storage systems in a new Arizona community.

By Robert Walton • Oct. 16, 2017

Automated robots are the key to utility infrastructure management

The real goal is complete autonomy; the removal of human intervention. This is where the true cost savings will materialize.

By Michael Hartnack • Oct. 9, 2017

Massachusetts starts inquiry into energy storage eligibility for net metering

Regulators will also examine the qualification of net metering facilities to bid into ISO-New England’s forward capacity market. 

By Peter Maloney • Oct. 9, 2017

Harvard survey: Only one-third of businesses have developed resiliency plans

If city leaders want businesses to get on board with resiliency and sustainability plans, they should target their concerns: costs and continuity of operations.

By Cody Boteler • Oct. 5, 2017

ITC seeks more details as solar sector battles over remedies in trade case hearing

More than 50 stakeholders crowded the ITC's hearing room to debate the merits of proposed tariffs as well as a quota and floor price in a 9-hour hearing Tuesday. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Oct. 4, 2017