Latest Utilities News
EPA is investigating wastewater released into Puhi Bay from troubled Hilo sewage plant
Federal and state environmental officials are looking into what caused a large release of partially treated wastewater in Hilo last week and what can be done to prevent future incidents. The investigation is focusing on a discharge of 607,000 gallons of wastewater into Puhi Bay on...
Chairman of federal control board overseeing Puerto Rico finances to step down
SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) — The chairman of a federal control board that oversees Puerto Rico’s finances announced Wednesday he is stepping down as the U.S. territory struggles to restructure more than $9 billion in debt held by its troubled power company. The announcement by...
Drinking water of almost a million Californians failed to meet state requirements
Almost 400 water systems serving nearly a million Californians don’t meet state requirements for safe and reliable drinking water supplies — and fixing them would cost billions of dollars. More than two-thirds of these failing water systems serve communities of color, and more...
A big boost for a climate solution: electricity made from the heat of the Earth
One method of making electricity cleanly to address climate change has been quietly advancing and on Tuesday it hit a milestone. A California utility is backing the largest new geothermal power development in the U.S. — 400 megawatts of clean electricity from the Earth’s heat...
As more Texans struggle with housing costs, homeownership becoming less attainable
More Texas homeowners and renters than ever are struggling with high housing costs — and the state’s high home prices have potentially put the dream of owning a home out-of-reach for a growing number of families. That’s according to a new report from Harvard University’s...
Bather, beware: British beaches and rivers have a sewage problem. It has seeped into election talk
HENLEY-ON-THAMES, England (AP) — Endurance swimmer Joan Fennelly is undaunted by frigid water and long distances, swimming year-round in the wild. But she takes extra precautions in her own backyard. The River Thames is one of Britain's many waterways contaminated with sewage and agricultural...
Texas electricity demand could nearly double in six years, grid operator predicts
The state’s main electric grid operator has sharply increased its prediction for how much power demand will increase in coming years. If it’s accurate, the state would need to be able to provide nearly double the amount of power within six years. Two factors led to the higher...
Bill for `forever chemicals' manufacturers to pay North Carolina water systems advances
RALEIGH, N.C. (AP) — North Carolina's top environmental regulator could order manufacturers of "forever chemicals” to help pay for water system cleanup upgrades whenever they are found responsible for discharges that contaminate drinking water beyond acceptable levels, under legislation...
Boil-water advisory lifted in Atlanta after water system problems
ATLANTA (AP) — Residents in Atlanta no longer must boil water before drinking it, officials said Thursday, six days after a water main break west of downtown affected service and spurred the advisory. Normal water flow and pressure was restored citywide on Wednesday, but more time...
Climate solution: Massachusetts town experiments with community heating and cooling
Jennifer and Eric Mauchan live in a Cape Cod-style house in Framingham, Massachusetts that they've been cooling with five air conditioners. In the summer, the electric bill for the 2,600-square-foot home can be $200. In the winter, heating with natural gas is often more than $300 a...
