Should the internet be treated like a public utility?

May 12, 2014
The FCC is considering new regulations for internet providers.

Unpaid water bill? Detroit will turn off the tap

Mar 28, 2014
Half the bankrupt city's residents are delinquent on their water bills. Businesses, schools and the city itself owe more than $50 million in unpaid water bills.

With choice comes risk: How to pick the electricity plan that's right for you

Aug 21, 2013
Power companies are starting to steal from the mobile phone playbook, offering free nights and weekends or pre-paid plans. This can save you money, or it can blow you away with higher bills.
Utility workers repair a power line in New Orleans, Louisiana.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

DIY broadband in northern England

Feb 15, 2013
Residents in a town in Northern England who couldn’t get high-speed Internet decided to put in their own.

Long Island Power slammed for slow Sandy response

Nov 19, 2012
Three weeks after Hurricane Sandy power has been restored for most people affected by the storm. But the embattled LIPA is still dealing with a wave of criticism over its performance.

California holds first auction of pollution permits

Nov 14, 2012
Six years after enacting its own law to fight global warming, California conducts its first auction of carbon permits. Companies that give off large amounts of carbon dioxide will need permits to cover the emissions.

Governor Cuomo threatens to switch NY utilities

Nov 6, 2012
A week after Superstorm Sandy hit the Northeast, more than a million people are still without power. New York Governor Cuomo is threatening to find other utilities if electric companies like ConEd and LIPA don’t perform.

For public good, not for profit.

Montpelier, Vermont, gets into the utility business

Sep 10, 2012
The tiny capital of Montpelier will refurbish the wood-fired heating plant its uses for the State House, then sell excess heat to nearby buildings.

MID-DAY UPDATE: Ireland in the spotlight

Nov 22, 2010
Today's big story was Ireland. Yesterday, the country agreed to a bailout from The European Central Bank and the IMF, though the terms and...