Utilities and Public Works
18 storiesCoverage can connect outage updates, rate changes, boil-water notices, construction timelines, grid or network projects and explainers about who owns a system, who regulates it and what customers should do during disruptions.
Michigan water utilities face new cybersecurity risks after recent attacks
Michigan's water utilities are under the microscope after a cyberattack hit operational technology nationwide. State agencies are now offering free cybersecurity risk checks to help utilities shore up defenses and protect residents.
AT&T will replace most Michigan copper landlines with fiber by 2029
AT&T plans to shut down most copper landlines in Michigan's Lower Peninsula by 2029. Customers will move to fiber and wireless networks, keeping access to 911 and regular phone features.
Hart Solar Project now powers over 21,000 Michigan homes with clean energy
The Hart Solar Project in Oceana County is now generating enough renewable electricity for more than 21,000 Michigan homes. Local schools and services are seeing new funding and cost savings from the project.
Power Outage Shuts Down Michigan State University Dining Halls and Events
A widespread power outage at Michigan State University in East Lansing closed all campus dining locations and canceled a scheduled performance at the Wharton Center on Saturday afternoon.
Farmington Hills crews clear debris after Labor Day storm knocks out power
Farmington Hills saw less damage than much of Oakland County after the September 3 storm, but city crews have spent days clearing downed trees and branches from roads while residents continue cleanup and wait for power to be restored.
North Carolina and Michigan fund new EV charging and hydrogen projects
North Carolina and Michigan have announced millions in new grants for electric vehicle charging and clean mobility projects, including hydrogen fuel cell trucks and fast charging sites. Construction and deployment are set to ramp up over the next three years.
Lightning Sparks Fire at Detroit Apartment, Storms Down Trees Citywide
A lightning strike ignited a fire at Chene Park Commons on Detroit's east side Thursday morning, as severe storms toppled trees and power lines across multiple neighborhoods, prompting emergency response and ongoing cleanup efforts.
Power Outages Top 90,000 After Severe Storms Hit Metro Detroit
Nearly 93,500 DTE Energy customers in Metro Detroit lost electricity after Wednesday night's storms brought damaging winds, flash flooding and widespread debris. Utility crews are working to restore service as residents face blocked roads and cleanup challenges.
Scarcity Drives New Risks and Opportunities for Local Governments
As demand for water, land, and energy grows, local governments face tough choices about resource allocation while investors see new opportunities. Fragmented oversight can leave communities exposed to risks that cross agency boundaries.
Colorado River Water Cuts Leave Western Towns and Farms Facing Uncertainty
A new federal plan to reduce Colorado River water use is forcing Arizona towns and farmers to reconsider their future, as reservoirs hit record lows and legal battles intensify over shrinking supplies
States Shift to Unified Cyber Defense as AI Threats Grow
State and local governments are moving toward integrated cybersecurity strategies to counter increasingly sophisticated cyber threats, with new federal guidance and AI-powered tools helping protect critical public services and infrastructure.
Consumers Energy Plans Temporary Flow Cut at Hodenpyl Dam for Inspection
Consumers Energy intends to reduce or halt water flow from the Hodenpyl Dam to the Manistee River the week of September 21 to inspect storm damage, raising concerns among river advocates about environmental impacts and alternative options.
South Dakota Local Governments Face Cybersecurity Funding Deadline
South Dakota's $7 million SecureSD program, which helps local governments defend against cyberattacks, will run out of state funding in 2028, leaving counties and cities to cover ongoing cybersecurity costs themselves
How Local Governments Are Using Data to Tackle Climate Risks
Local agencies are shifting from passive data collection to proactive strategies, using external datasets and local expertise to strengthen infrastructure resilience against severe weather and climate threats.
Alabama Data Centers May Outpace Statewide Home Power Use
A wave of proposed data centers in Alabama could consume more electricity than all residential homes combined. Alabama Power says rates won't rise, but residents and experts question whether new laws and oversight will truly protect customers.
Triadelphia Reservoir Water Contact Advisory Issued for Residents
WSSC Water has issued a month-long advisory urging people and pets to avoid direct contact with Triadelphia Reservoir water after harmful algal blooms were detected. Recreation remains open, but extra precautions are recommended for all visitors.
Family Escapes Farmington Hills House Fire Sparked by Lightning
A lightning strike ignited a fire at a Morningview Street home in Farmington Hills early Monday, prompting a swift response from firefighters and allowing a family of four to evacuate safely without injuries.
New Water Watch Center Offers Cyber Support for Small Utilities
A new Water Watch Center has launched to help small water utilities defend against cyberattacks, as recent incidents in multiple states raise concerns about threats to local water systems