Utilities : Discovery News

Turning Down Heat May Save Much More Than Expected

Posted Tue May 15, 2012 01:28 PM ET | 0

Consumers could potentially be saving more than 5 percent (about $10) for each degree they turn the thermostat down. Read more

Energy Grid: Safe From Cyber Attack?

Posted by Eric Niiler Wed May 9, 2012 12:36 PM ET | 0

It's smarter, but not perfect. Experts forecast more attacks amid evolving defenses. Read more

What's the Wind-Cast?

Posted by Eric Niiler Fri Mar 16, 2012 11:21 AM ET | 0

If there were improvements in wind and sun forecasts, green energy could get a new lease on life. Read more

Smart Meter or Government Spy?

Posted by Eric Niiler Wed Mar 14, 2012 09:00 AM ET | 0

Experts say they are safe, but some worry smart meters are making them sick or are even spying on them. Read more

As Sunstorm Zaps Earth, Planes Diverted

Posted Thu Mar 8, 2012 02:28 PM ET | 0

So far Earth seems to have lucked out, but the storm's not over yet. Read more

Wanna Nuke Waste Site?

Posted by Eric Niiler Thu Jan 26, 2012 02:29 PM ET | 0

A panel suggests towns volunteer to host dumps that would last for generations. Read more

Small Wind Meet Smart Grid

Posted by Scott Tharler Fri Jan 20, 2012 03:49 PM ET | 0

An upcoming online application will monitor weather, energy and small wind turbine performance. Read more

Light Switch Cover Holds On To Keys

Posted by Christina Ortiz Thu Sep 1, 2011 08:49 AM ET | 0

Tired of losing your keys? Go towards the light. Read more

Bill Gates Seeks To Reinvent The Toilet

Posted by Nic Halverson Tue Aug 16, 2011 09:11 AM ET | 0

Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation award $3 million to researchers to design safe, reliable and cheap toilets for the developing world. Read more

Could U.S. Nuclear Plants Withstand a Tsunami?

Posted by Eric Niiler Thu Mar 17, 2011 07:00 AM ET | 0

In the wake of the crisis gripping Japan, should we take a second look at nuclear plants closer to home? Read more

Wind Power Takes Flight in the Jet Stream

Posted by Amy Dusto Wed Dec 29, 2010 10:02 PM ET | 0

Flying autonomous wind turbines leave ground-based turbines behind. Read more

Electric Vehicles Won't Bring Down the Power Grid

Posted Tue Jul 13, 2010 10:02 AM ET | 0

The extra load will be relatively slow to grow, predictable and highly localized in its early years. Read more

Turbulence Tamed in Water Pipes

Posted by Eric Bland Fri Mar 19, 2010 05:22 AM ET | 0

A technique to keep turbulence down in pipes could save money and could even be used to make vessels more fuel efficient and keep arteries clear. Read more

Bloom Energy Server Could Bring Microgrids Online

Posted by Tracy Staedter Wed Feb 24, 2010 07:22 PM ET | 0

I'm seeing news everywhere about Bloom Energy's announcement today of its Energy Server, a new kind of fuel cell that can generate clean energy. So I did a little poking around and here's what I found. First, just a refresher: ... Read more