Utilities

Politics

Clean energy is on the ballot in these utility regulator races

Ten states elect their public utility commissions, which make big decisions about energy. This November, the stakes are high, especially in Arizona and Louisiana.

By Julian Spector . 25 October 2024

Utilities

Hawaii moves to time-varying 'smart' rates for most utility customers

The first-in-the-nation statewide plan will nudge residents to shift their energy use to times that best align with Hawaii's increasingly solar-powered grid.

By Julian Spector . 8 November 2022
Energy markets

Texas plan to stop next grid disaster could cost customers billions

A new report finds that a proposal to improve grid reliability could cost much more than alternatives and still fail to prevent winter blackouts.

By Jeff St. John . 2 November 2022
Wind

Virginia deal would shield customers if wind project blows its budget

Dominion Energy has agreed to protect customers if costs run over budget or performance falls short of expectations on $10B landmark offshore wind project.

By Julian Spector . 1 November 2022
Utilities

This winter, UK households can get paid to help prevent grid blackouts

Octopus Energy will compensate customers who use less power during times of high demand, helping to blunt the impact of a looming energy crisis.

By Julian Spector . 1 November 2022
Just transition

Who should pay to help coal communities in the energy transition?

Staff at Arizona’s utility regulator say customers shouldn’t be charged more to fund a $144 million just transition package for the Navajo Nation, Hopi Tribe and other coal communities.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 October 2022
Utilities

Charts: Utilities sticking with fossil fuels despite climate pledges

A new Sierra Club report highlights the major U.S. utilities that plan to burn coal and build new fossil-gas infrastructure through at least 2030.

By Maria Gallucci, Maria Virginia Olano . 21 October 2022
Energy equity

Building resilient communities: Soulardarity's plan for energy democracy

This Detroit-area collective is installing solar streetlights, exploring community solar and advocating for policy change in pursuit of a carbon-free future.

By Jeff St. John . 14 October 2022
Guides and how-tos

What are public utility commissions? A beginner's guide

Utility regulators hold the keys to the transition from fossil fuels. Here's how to engage with the clean-energy gatekeepers you've never heard of.

By Julian Spector . 12 October 2022
Guides and how-tos

Electric utilities 101: A breakdown of the basics on US power providers

Utilities and their regulators can be confusing and opaque. Here's a handy introduction for people who want more clean energy in their community.

By Alison F. Takemura . 12 October 2022
Energy storage

ESS inks largest-ever US flow battery purchase with Sacramento utility

The innovative deal will supply 2 gigawatt-hours of storage over multiple years and includes provisions for workforce training in and around the California capital.

By Julian Spector . 27 September 2022