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)

Hydrogen

Is clean hydrogen a climate solution? Depends how it’s made — and used

Clean hydrogen can help decarbonize the world. But only if it’s made in an emissions-free way and used to do the stuff electricity can’t handle.

By Alison F. Takemura . 30 January 2024
Electrification

How to get people to kick fossil fuels out of their homes

A new study of 10,000 Americans suggests decarbonization programs should focus on reducing upfront costs and emphasize health, comfort — and even aesthetic benefits.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 January 2024
Electrification

5 New Year’s resolutions to electrify your life

Want to decarbonize your home and commute? Here are some low-stakes steps to kick-start your electrification journey.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 January 2024
Transmission

Suddenly, US electricity demand is spiking. Can the grid keep up?

Data centers, factories, heat pumps and EVs are putting increasing stress on a grid that isn’t growing fast enough, new data shows.

By Jeff St. John . 20 December 2023
Electrification

Americans like home electrification — but also still love their gas stoves

Less than one-third of Americans want a fully electric home. That number jumps to 60 percent if they can keep cooking with gas.

By Tik Root . 11 December 2023
Electrification

Yes, it’s possible to electrify a home on just 100 amps

It may require careful planning and efficient appliances like heat pumps, but 100-amp service can be enough to kick fossil fuels out of your home.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 December 2023
Heat pumps

Heat-pump water heaters are a winner for the climate — and your wallet

The tech costs more than conventional options upfront, but federal tax credits, new 120V models and strong savings have made them more appealing than ever.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 November 2023
Utilities

Maine utilities eye move to time-varying electric rates to boost electrification

"Time-of-use" rates that encourage customers to cut energy use at times of peak demand could help the state meet its electrification goals without straining the grid.

By Annie Ropeik . 14 November 2023
Heat pumps

Heat pumps are everywhere — even in clothes dryers

Using heat pumps to dry clothes is dramatically more energy-efficient. Thanks to new rebates, the appliance could be coming soon to a laundry room near you.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 October 2023
Podcast

The market for microgrids

What supply shortages, new policies and a changing view of resilience mean for the microgrid market.

Play

By Shayle Kann . 45 min . 27 October 2023