Ann Arbor, MI to create state's first sustainable energy utility
Ann Arbor, Michigan, voters have approved the creation of a sustainable energy utility, making it the first municipality in the state to adopt such a model. This utility will focus on providing renewable energy at lower costs and is expected to start operations in 2026, with initial projects including solar installations and energy efficiency upgrades. The utility will be funded without new taxes, through on-bill financing where savings from energy upgrades offset costs.
Ann Arbor, MI
United States
Rainbow Lake, AB partners with E2E Energy Solutions on first-in-Canada geothermal energy pilot
The Enhanced Geothermal Reservoir Recovery System (EGRRS) will meet 100% of the town's energy needs by 2028. This technology turns reservoirs and wellbores from fossil fuel extraction into geothermal aquifers. Heated fluid from the production well powers surface-level turbines, thus generating electricity for local homes and businesses. Rainbow Lake studied geothermal options for six years before approving a three-stage development for low-cost and sustainable energy.
Rainbow Lake, AB
Canada
Minneapolis, MN accelerates its climate change mitigation efforts with the Climate Legacy Initiative
The Climate Legacy Initiative is a 10-year plan for improvements in areas like green jobs and tree canopy. Businesses, nonprofits, and community members will coordinate on community-wide projects like home weatherization. City officials and community organizations will use public dashboards for transparency about CLI objectives. Minneapolis partnered with local utilities on the collection of a utility franchise fee to fund CLI with 40% of funds dedicated to projects in low-income areas.
Minneapolis, MN
United States
Santa Clara, CA promotes battery storage installations by residents with rebate pilot
City-owned Silicon Valley Power (SVP) offered multiple incentive tiers for new battery installations through November 15, 2023. Households contracting through Bay Area Sunshares during the pilot period received $0.15 per watt-hour up to $2,700. The program also offered $2,000 per customer in the Financial Rate Assistance Program and $2,000 for income-qualified customers. This initiative complemented SVP rebate options covering everything from smart electric panels to e-bikes.
Santa Clara, CA
United States
Bridgeport, CT partners with Cadenza Innovation on BESS pilot for Fire Department building
The pilot involves a battery energy storage system (BESS) built with Cadenza's superCell solution. On-site storage allows the Fire Department to continue operations during grid outages. This system also supports the efficient use of electricity, thus decreasing utility costs for the city. Real-time data sent from the BESS to the Cadenza Cloud support analyses of system performance. Local officials will use pilot results to identify further opportunities for BESS use.
Bridgeport, CT
United States
Saskatoon, SK turns publicly available data into home retrofit suggestions with its Home Energy Map
Saskatoon worked with OPEN Technologies on an AI-powered map of all residential properties in the city. Map users can enter their addresses or filter lots by building types, neighborhoods, year built, and energy usage percentile. Each property profile includes a graph of how energy is used, overall energy usage, and projected usage after retrofits. The Retrofit Roadmap option offers retrofit ideas and cost estimates based on additional homeowner information.
Saskatoon, SK
Canada
Weber County, UT collaborates with Qnergy on the conversion of landfill methane to electricity
A Qnergy PowerGen generator was installed at a county landfill closed in 1996. PowerGen technology converts methane and other gases into electricity using a frictionless combustion system. The generator requires little regular maintenance and achieves nearly 100% destruction of methane. Electrical output of up to 5.5 kilowatts will be sent to nearby Fort Buenaventura Park. County officials and Qnergy are also working with VeriCarbon on monetizing carbon credits for expanded PowerGen use.
Weber County, UT
United States
Carpinteria, CA and Electriq Power make sustainable energy more accessible with PoweredUP Network
The PoweredUP Network offers solar and battery storage capabilities to city residents with no costs at installation. Rooftop solar panels provide electricity to the household with excess power held in Electriq's PowerPod2 battery in case of outages or increased use. Homeowners switch between time-of-use, backup, and self-supply modes with an easy-to-use interface. There are no credit checks, liens, or income requirements for participation in the network.
Carpinteria, CA
United States
Unincorporated ACT, ACT introduces Make Your Next Choice Electric tool for gas-to-electric switch
The interactive online tool was designed in collaboration with consumer advocacy group CHOICE. Local residents enter basic information about their households, appliances, and natural gas usage to generate personalized plans. Each Make Your Next Choice Electric plan includes replacement due dates, install cost estimates, and yearly cost savings from all-electric appliances. Additional features of the tool include CHOICE appliance recommendations and energy efficiency tips.
Unincorporated ACT, ACT
Australia
Yarra, VIC promotes zero-carbon commerce with the Business Renewables Buying Group
Victoria businesses using at least 500 mWh of electricity per year were recruited to the pilot group. A facilitator was selected to leverage the group's purchasing power for 100% renewable electricity contracts. Participating businesses benefitted from reputational boosts, reduced energy costs, and streamlined procurement processes. The Business Renewables Buying Group was led by Yarra in collaboration with Darebin, Melbourne, and Merri-bek councils.
Yarra, VIC
Australia
Darebin, VIC
Australia
+2Buckinghamshire Council, GB Energy Doctor program provides low-cost solutions to high utility bills
The Domestic Resource Efficiency Service provides in-home consultations and remedies for energy inefficiencies. Eligible residents earn £30,000 or less per year and live in properties graded in the bottom four energy performance certificate ratings. Resource efficiency officers - or Energy Doctors - recommend changes and install simple items like portable solar generators or LED lights. Local officials anticipate average savings of £100 per year for participants.
Buckinghamshire Council, GB
United Kingdom
Newmarket, ON conducts Leak Detection Program trial using newly installed water meters
Newmarket is replacing all of its residential and commercial meters with wireless devices for more accurate readings. The Leak Detection Program monitors water consumption data at select addresses with new meters for continuous use or usage spikes. Suspected leaks lead to outreach by the town to affected addresses for timely repairs. Local officials estimate CAD 400 in savings per fixed leak and an average repair time of five days compared to 120 days with manual inspections.
Newmarket, ON
Canada