Electrification

Policy & regulation

Massachusetts passes bill to speed clean energy and slow gas expansion

The long-awaited legislation comes as advocates say more state-level climate policy is needed. Governor Maura Healey is expected to sign it into law.

By Carrie Klein . 15 November 2024

An excavator sits behind geothermal pipes, ready to begin construction — The Eversource Gas construction site in Framingham, MA, where workers installed geothermal pipes in 2023. (Eversource Gas)

Electrification

The climate law’s $8.8B in home energy rebates are starting to roll out

New York and Wisconsin are the first to launch their long-awaited Inflation Reduction Act programs meant to deploy everything from heat pumps to insulation.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 August 2024
Electrification

This startup aims to decarbonize big buildings without hassling tenants

Hydronic Shell pairs heat pumps with insulated prefab panels that have HVAC built in. The startup is prepping its first deployment at a NY public housing building.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 August 2024
Electrification

Massachusetts dishes out $53M to decarbonize affordable housing

It’s the second round of grants from the state that focus on making affordable housing buildings electric, efficient, affordable, and healthy. More money is coming.

By Sarah Shemkus . 12 August 2024
Electrification

Xcel Colorado’s new clean heat plan is a big deal. Here’s why.

The $440M plan to deploy heat pumps and electrify buildings is the product of a state law requiring gas utilities to cut emissions — and is an important test case.

By Carrie Klein . 8 August 2024
Heat pumps

New England and Alaska are about to deploy a lot more heat pumps

The EPA awarded these cold regions with a combined $488M to replace fossil-fueled heating with efficient electric heat pumps.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 August 2024
Electrification

Battery-powered induction stoves could be the future of clean cooking

This latest technical innovation, now starting to ship, means you can use an electric range with just a standard 120-volt outlet.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 July 2024
Solar

This nuclear waste site could soon host a massive solar installation

The Hanford Site in Washington state, a radioactive relic of the Manhattan Project and Cold War, was selected by DOE to be outfitted with up to 1 GW of solar.

By Carrie Klein . 30 July 2024
Electrification

This little-known agency has billions to make federal buildings green

With nearly $3.4 billion from the climate law, the U.S. General Services Administration is working to slash emissions from building operations and construction.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 July 2024
Fossil fuels

New Washington state ballot initiative would prevent fossil gas bans

The industry-backed measure to protect fossil gas looks to have received enough signatures to appear on the ballot in November.

By Akielly Hu . 12 July 2024
Electrification

How to avoid panel upgrades so we can electrify more homes

Upsizing the electrical panel can be costly and unnecessary. A new report offers guidance on how to forgo upgrades so more funding can go to electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 July 2024