News Briefs: Dallas City Services Disrupted by Ransomware Attack

Also in this week's sewer and water news, the U.S. Department of Energy announces new energy efficiency actions aiming to save Americans millions in utility bills annually

News Briefs: Dallas City Services Disrupted by Ransomware Attack

The city of Dallas, Texas, has been hit by a ransomware attack, with several city services, including water systems, disrupted. The cyberattack, attributed to a group known as 'Royal', has caused the city's official website to display an error message, and Dallas Water Utilities is currently unable to process payments, according to Forbes.

The impact of the hack extends to multiple city departments. Court proceedings have been halted, while the city's animal services can only respond to emergency requests. The City Secretary's Office, which handles open record requests, is also operating with delays. The hackers, threatening to release confidential city employee information if their demands are not met, have left development services, public works and zoning applications unable to receive payments.

Michigan WWTP Eyes Powering Electric Vehicles via Methane Production

The Pontiac-based Clinton River Water Resource Recovery Facility in Michigan is aiming to revolutionize energy use in the water treatment sector by converting sewage into power. The facility, once in dire need of repair, has undergone significant upgrades, including a groundbreaking technology (Thermal Hydrolysis Pretreatment) that harnesses methane gas from waste, reducing its current reliance on fossil fuels. 

Officials at the facility hope to expand the use of this technology, potentially creating a renewable energy source that could power electric vehicles. Already, the plant is using the methane produced to operate some of its equipment.

DOE Announces Appliance Efficiency Rules

The U.S. Department of Energy has announced new energy efficiency actions that aim to save Americans $652 million in utility bills every year. The congressionally mandated proposed standards for new dishwashers and beverage vending machines and final standards for electric motors are designed to conserve energy and water while mitigating harmful carbon pollution.

DOE expects the new standards for electric motors will save American businesses approximately $464 million per year on energy costs, while the proposed standards for dishwashers, which have not been updated in over a decade, will save American consumers approximately $168 million per year on their utility bills. Together, these proposed rules represent DOE’s latest steps to deliver savings through appliance efficiency, as directed by Congress, and lower costs for American families and businesses while tackling the climate crisis.     



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