Energy and Climate Change

"We believe strongly that we can provide a 15 percent discount, across the board, to PG&E’s rates, and since PG&E keeps raising its rates, that’s getting easier and easier to do," said Jeff Shields, the irrigation district’s general manager.

The facility will also churn out stationary battery packs that can be paired with rooftop solar panels to store power.

Bakken crude is considered more volatile than other types of oil, which presents a safety problem when moved by rail. New regulations approved Tuesday require oil producers to separate flammable and volatile liquids prior to shipment by rail.

"Water and sewer bills are increasing faster than bills for natural gas, electricity or phone service. They have been far outpacing inflation for 30 years, and there is no sign the rate hikes will slow down anytime soon."

The purpose of the grant is to study futuristic power systems.

Aimed at saving money, cutting the use of fossil fuels and easing mobility, the installations are part of a growing wireless network of streetlamps and sensors that officials hope will help this city of roughly 1.2 million meet its ambitious goal of becoming the world’s first carbon-neutral capital by 2025.

"It’s really hard to know what the future holds," she said. "You hate to be trying to plan for a drought in the midst of a drought."

New energy codes for residential and commercial buildings could have a big impact on energy efficiency and power bills for Montanans, but enforcement of the new codes will vary across the state.

United Nations leaders have worried for decades about the pace of population growth.

The Tesla systems are arriving just as utilities begin to feel increasing pressure worldwide from the disruption posed by renewable energy.