New Orleans might create a virtual power plant. Here's what that means

New Orleans City Council OK'd a $32 million plan last week to create a virtual power plant. Why it matters: If and when it gets up and running, the city would be able to tap into a new networked back-up energy source when emergencies strain the traditional grid. The big picture: New Orleans remains unique as a city that also serves as its own energy utility regulator, but isn't alone in how susceptible it is to climate change and natural...