While last night’s storm added more than a foot of water to Falls lake, today’s council meeting decidedly pushed the city toward a tiered pricing structure for Raleigh water services. The program is expected to start next spring- following upgrading of the billing software.
Additionally the council approved new water inspectors that would be visiting businesses and apartment complexes to insure low-flow faucets and shower-heads are being used. While the enforcement seems harsh it certainly seems necessary considering the current situation.
Last year, the North Carolina General Assembly passed legislation to create a grant program to help private companies and non-profit organizations, as well as local and state government groups to develop sustainable technology. 
North Carolina State University is planning a facility on Centennial Campus that will be geared for research on Plug-In Electric Automobiles. The new building will be located next to the Semiconductor Power Electronics Center (SPEC), and like many facilities on NCSU’s cutting-edge technopolis, this one will be a public/private venture. Progress Energy and Duke Energy have already pledged support in funding for the project as well as the development and management of a system of charging stations. (Want fries with that battery?)