Grid edge

California’s patchwork push to scale up virtual power plants

The state has created more ways for solar-and-battery-equipped homes to get paid to help the grid — but not enough to save the crashing rooftop solar market.

By Jeff St. John . 22 February 2024

An aerial view of a subdivision of single-family homes, many with solar panels visible on the roof — The Chatsworth neighborhood in Los Angeles, California (Mario Tama/Getty Images)

EV charging

EVs are one step closer to becoming roaming grid batteries

A new vehicle-to-grid (V2G) standard could make it much easier for EVs to share data and power — and save money for drivers and utilities alike.

By Jeff St. John . 20 February 2024
Climatetech finance

Swell Energy acquires Renu to help build virtual power plants

The startup aims to combine privately owned batteries into grid resources. Renu, a regional battery installer, will help Swell access new markets.

By Eric Wesoff . 7 February 2024
Grid edge

Smart thermostats are helping Arizona's grid ride out brutal heat

Amid soaring temperatures, Arizona has seen success with utility programs that incentivize people to turn down the AC when the power grid is stressed.

By Jeff St. John . 14 September 2023
Podcast

Can the V2X dream become reality?

GM’s V2X lead Ty Jagerson talks through the challenges and benefits of vehicle-to-everything charging.

Play

By Shayle Kann . 39 min . 31 August 2023
Energy efficiency

Why efficient buildings are key to decarbonizing the power grid

New data shows that efficient, grid-responsive buildings would make a zero-carbon grid $100B cheaper per year — if utilities and policymakers can act in time.

By Jeff St. John . 22 August 2023
EV charging

More money for EV charging software — ev.energy raises $33M

EV charging can either help or hinder the world's clean-grid goals. That makes software that manages charging a hot target for climate investors.

By Jeff St. John . 27 July 2023
Grid edge

Why aren't Texans paid to help prevent blackouts during heat waves?

As the state endures another bout of extreme heat, experts lament its lack of incentives to recruit residents to help ease demand on the stressed grid.

By Jeff St. John . 24 July 2023
Solar

Home batteries will help bolster Puerto Rico's grid in emergencies

Sunrun is launching a first-of-its-kind program on the island that will harness rooftop solar and battery storage systems to avoid rolling blackouts.

By Maria Gallucci . 27 June 2023
Electrification

Lunar Energy bets on a seamless 'ecosystem' for home electrification

Tesla's former residential energy chief raised $300 million to bring a vertically integrated home battery and energy controls system to market. Here's the result.

By Jeff St. John . 21 June 2023
EV charging

NYC's grid is stressed. A 'smart' EV charging program aims to help

Con Ed’s revamped SmartCharge program will tap direct-to-EV communications to track and pay drivers for charging at times that reduce grid strain.

By Jeff St. John . 5 April 2023