Utilities
211 Helplines That Offer Rent and Food Assistance Are Totally Overwhelmed
“This year has been the most stressful that many of us have faced since we’ve provided this service,” one official said.
Landlords Can’t Evict Their Tenants, So They're Shutting Off Utilities and Threatening Them Instead
“I’m certain they’re aware it’s illegal, and I’m certain they don’t care.”
How to Talk About Money with Your Roommates
Paying bills and having roommates for the first time is fertile ground for awkward situations and strained conversations.
The Ukrainian Power Grid Was Hacked Again
Experts say the country appears to be a “testbed” for cyber attacks that could be used around the world.
Quick Hit: Roma Fight Russian Police Over Energy Access
Riot police in southern Russia clash with members of a Roma community near the city of Tula over unauthorized use of the local energy supply.
Flint Residents Paid the Highest Rates in the US for Their Lead-Contaminated Water
A Food and Water Watch survey of the 500 largest water utilities in the United States found that Flint, Michigan charged the highest rates in the nation, with residents paying $864.32 on average in 2015 for undrinkable water.
Another Way the Feds Punish Legit Cannabis Growers: Electricity Rates
At least in Skamania County, WA.
The Town Erin Brockovich Rescued Is Basically a Ghost Town Now
There's still hexavalent chromium in the water, the town's houses are being knocked down, and the only place to buy beer is about to close.
The Future of America's Solar Industry Could Be Very Bright
The amount of electricity generated by solar energy has been on the rise — but an important federal incentive to invest in the technology is at risk of being phased out.
There's a Big Energy Story Unfolding and It's Not About Cheap Oil
US solar production has exploded in the past several years as panel prices have plummeted, but the government policies that have supported the sector's growth are under attack, say industry observers.
How Privatization Screwed Over Britain, According to Author James Meek
His new book argues that we must stop believing that naked self-interest is the only thing that gets people out of bed in the morning and that commerce is the only solution to all our problems.