Mark Chediak of Bloomberg writes about a referendum being held in Boulder, Colorado that will decide whether or not to publicly take over the Smart Grid project implemented by Xcel Energy.
Chediak writes:
"Supporters of the public take-over say Xcel, based in Minneapolis, isn't adding renewable energy fast enough and seek greater control over the local power grid."
David Parker, a utility analyst with Robert W. Baird says: "Boulder felt Xcel wasn't up-front about costs and about the potential benefits of the pilot," "The project began when "smart grid" technology was considered "the hottest thing in the world," in 2008, Parker said. Then, after the recession hit, customers started asking why they were spending money on upgrades with unproven benefits."
According to Xcel, "The expense of building a fiber-optic network, instead of using cheaper wireless technology, to monitor energy use helped drive the cost of the project above expectations."
A public takeover of the Smart Grid project would also be costly for the city, since they must issue bonds in order to buy the infrastructure.
FULL STORY: Boulder Finds 'Smart Grid' Slow, Pricey
Colorado Voters to Determine the Fate of $50 Million Smart Grid Project
Mark Chediak of Bloomberg writes about a referendum being held in Boulder, Colorado that will decide whether or not to publicly take over the Smart Grid project implemented by Xcel Energy.
Proposed Boulder Ballot Measures Call for Impact Fees, Affordable Duplexes
Boulder residents are working to put two housing-related proposals on the November ballot.
Boulder Could Eliminate Parking Requirements Citywide
A new study found that half of the city’s commercial parking spaces are usually empty.
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
In California, Michigan and Georgia, an easy win is bringing dollars — and delight — back to city centers.
San Francisco's School District Spent $105M To Build Affordable Housing for Teachers — And That's Just the Beginning
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.
Planning for Universal Design
Learn the tools for implementing Universal Design in planning regulations.
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)