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.
Boulder Could Eliminate Parking Requirements Citywide
A new study found that half of the city’s commercial parking spaces are usually empty.
Colorado Zoning Reform Yields Slow Results — For Now
An ambitious set of zoning reforms largely fell flat as developers rushed to submit project applications before new affordable housing requirements took effect.
Alabama: Trump Terminates Settlements for Black Communities Harmed By Raw Sewage
Trump deemed the landmark civil rights agreement “illegal DEI and environmental justice policy.”
Planetizen Federal Action Tracker
A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.
The 120 Year Old Tiny Home Villages That Sheltered San Francisco’s Earthquake Refugees
More than a century ago, San Francisco mobilized to house thousands of residents displaced by the 1906 earthquake. Could their strategy offer a model for the present?
Ken Jennings Launches Transit Web Series
The Jeopardy champ wants you to ride public transit.
BLM To Rescind Public Lands Rule
The change will downgrade conservation, once again putting federal land at risk for mining and other extractive uses.
Indy Neighborhood Group Builds Temporary Multi-Use Path
Community members, aided in part by funding from the city, repurposed a vehicle lane to create a protected bike and pedestrian path for the summer season.
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.
Clanton & Associates, Inc.
Jessamine County Fiscal Court
Institute for Housing and Urban Development Studies (IHS)
City of Grandview
Harvard GSD Executive Education
Toledo-Lucas County Plan Commissions
Salt Lake City
NYU Wagner Graduate School of Public Service