The business of creating smart grid infrastructure- new electrical transmission systems that can monitor flow and incorporate solar and wind power- is growing, and companies are competing for attention. This report reviews the most important players.
"[F]or those competing to make it in the business, it's a Wild West story, with shootouts over competing communication standards – WiFi versus ZigBee, RF Mesh versus WiMax –looming, and the promise of concept-proving and lucrative utility contracts as the loot.
From giants like General Electric (GE) and IBM to up-and-coming startups, there's a lot of room in an industry that's still in its infancy. But as utilities continue to install smart meters and demand response systems, and plan for a much-anticipated Home Area Network that will connect appliances, thermostats and other power-suckers to utility control rooms, there's also a lot to prove."
FULL STORY: Smart Grids' Year of Growth
Improved Electrical Grids Cut Greenhouse Gas Emissions
Preventing electricity losses makes power generation more efficient. Those efficiencies translate into lower emissions.
London Underground 'Waste Heat' to Warm City Homes
Part of a plan to move United Kingdom to renewable energy involves using heat from the London Underground to heat homes.
A New Commitment to an Efficient, Smart Grid in Arizona
Arizona's largest electric utility is proposing a set of next-gen energy conservation tools for its customers, as well as an accompanying educational component.
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The Simple Legislative Tool Transforming Vacant Downtowns
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SFUSD joins a growing list of school districts using their land holdings to address housing affordability challenges faced by their own employees.
In More Metros Than You’d Think, Suburbs are Now More Expensive Than the City
If you're moving to the burbs to save on square footage, data shows you should think again.
The States Losing Rural Delivery Rooms at an Alarming Pace
In some states, as few as 9% of rural hospitals still deliver babies. As a result, rising pre-term births, no adequate pre-term care and "harrowing" close calls are a growing reality.
The Small South Asian Republic Going all in on EVs
Thanks to one simple policy change less than five years ago, 65% of new cars in this Himalayan country are now electric.
Urban Design for Planners 1: Software Tools
This six-course series explores essential urban design concepts using open source software and equips planners with the tools they need to participate fully in the urban design process.
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Smith Gee Studio
City of Charlotte
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
City of Astoria
Transportation Research & Education Center (TREC) at Portland State University
US High Speed Rail Association
City of Camden Redevelopment Agency
Municipality of Princeton (NJ)