ACEEE: Massachusetts tops energy efficiency scorecard for 7th-consecutive year

California and Rhode Island rounded out the top three spots, while Idaho, Florida and Virginia were touted as most-improved states.

By Kristin Musulin • Oct. 3, 2017

Nanogrid storage could prevent future Puerto Rico-style electricity disasters

As the island territory struggles to keep the lights on, a Cornell professor suggests a way forward: designing buildings that can generate and store their own power.

By Cody Boteler • Sept. 28, 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

Trio of new bills in Congress aim to support energy storage deployment

Industry leaders hope to cast energy storage as a resource that "helps everyone," avoiding the partisan divides of energy resource politics on Capitol Hill. 

By Gavin Bade • Sept. 28, 2017

Solar sector steels for tariff fight after ITC harm ruling

Industry groups are pushing for softer trade remedies after the ITC found harm to domestic solar manufacturers last week. 

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 28, 2017

San Francisco studying solar-plus-storage systems to boost local resiliency

The city is studying alternatives to diesel generators to help in earthquakes and other major disasters.

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 26, 2017

Mercedes-Benz plans $1B investment in US electric vehicle production

The outlay includes a 1 million-square-foot electric car battery factory in Tuscaloosa, AL, and the expansion of an existing plant nearby.

By Kim Slowey • Sept. 25, 2017

On infrastructure investment, don't miss the forest for the trees

All parties must agree on a smart vision for the 21st century that features critical energy infrastructure — including district energy, CHP and microgrids.

By Rob Thornton • Sept. 20, 2017

Itron agrees to acquire Silver Spring Networks in $830M deal

The combination of two leading smart grid and metering companies could help Itron challenge Swiss giant Landis+Gyr. 

By Peter Maloney • Sept. 19, 2017

Solar insiders expect ITC harm finding, handing tariff decision to Trump

Sector leaders are confident the International Trade Commission will find that imported solar panels have hurt domestic manufacturers, but how the president will respond remains unclear. 

By Herman K. Trabish • Sept. 19, 2017

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