Solar panels is the answer. It keeps the people dry in the rain and the power can go right back to the city. Yes, it's not possible for all lots. For a vast majority of them, it's a net win.
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1MY89q9pnrS-rB8t6Df4T...
Albany Amsterdam Auburn Batavia Canandaigua Corning Cortland Fulton Geneva Glens Falls Gloversville Hornell Hudson Ithaca Kingston Lockport Newburgh Niagara Falls North Tonawanda Norwich Ogdensburg Olean Oneida Oneonta Oswego Plattsburgh Rome Utica Watertown
Note: New York is interesting because many populated areas are classified as "towns" or "villages" rather than "cities" by the Census Bureau, so this list excludes those locations. For example, many Long Island and Westchester Walmart locations are in towns or CDPs, not incorporated cities.