While they're still more common in Europe, 'smart' energy meters are gaining ground in the U.S. Southern California Edison recently announced plans to install 5.3 million smart meters by 2012.
"[T]he power grid in the United States is in dramatic need of overhaul. But the needed improvements to load management and energy efficiency go well beyond upgrades to the network cables, transformers and power stations that make up the system's gross anatomy.
Indeed, embedded in the promise of an improved, 21st-century 'smart grid' are 'smart meters,' which are quietly gaining ground in American households as utilities replace aging meters with high-tech, networked versions.
The units provide real-time, two-way communication between customer and power company - on the theory that consumers might be more likely to, say, tolerate a bit of balminess if they are able to monitor their air conditioner's energy consumption in real time."
Read the full story: Smart Meters Open Market for Smart Apps
Kentucky Rejects 'Smart Meters' Proposal
It's back to the drawing board for utilities hoping to implement new electricity grid infrastructure.
Smart Meters and AI take on Electrical Grid Load Forecasting
With the recent development of IoT, smart meter technology, and advanced weather forecasts by machine learning, we have the ability to analyze usage and load patterns and estimate future needs to help balance the electricity grid.
Boston Parking Meters to Get Smart
Over the next two years, Boston will replace its old parking meters with new ones connected to the internet. With this groundwork in place, pay-by-phone parking is the next step.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
California plans to bury El Niño’s downpour
If the state plays its cards right, it may be able to store a billion acre-feet of El Niño’s water in aquifers.
Desperate measures: Advocates weigh draining Lake Powell to fill Colorado River
Draining the reservoir could reduce evaporation losses by a couple hundred thousand acre-feet.
NITA’s first budget outlines $5 billion operating plan
The plan also proposes a $9.73 billion capital program for 2027 through 2031.
In Texas, data centers are swallowing promised parkland
Residents who moved to Taylor, Texas for a rural community now have to contend with three data centers in their backyard.
How a Chicago-sized wind farm beat the odds and powered on
The project spanned five presidential administrations and a standoff with a U.S. military base.
FREE Course: Walkable City 1: Why Walkability?
After describing his path towards focusing on walkability as the essence of good planning, Jeff Speck marches through his five principal reasons for making more walkable places.
Reinventing Malls: Planning Alchemy—Turning Gray Fields Into Gold
The course focuses on the opportunities and imperatives that shape reinvention of mall sites.
City of Rosemead
Rutgers University, Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy
One Hundred Miles
Hunter College, City University of New York (CUNY)
The Architects Foundation
University of Cincinnati Online
City of Cambridge
Montrose County
The Pocatello Development Authority