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

Policy & regulation

Here are ways to connect clean energy projects to the grid more quickly

It won’t be easy to fix the massive pileup of energy projects that need to be connected to the transmission grid, but regulators and developers are ready to try.

By Jeff St. John . 31 May 2022
Utilities

Why are blackouts looming? Blame extreme weather, not wind and solar

Heat, drought and fires could push the grid to its limits this summer. The solution is a flexible system with a wide range of power sources, not reliance on big power plants, experts say.

By Jeff St. John . 27 May 2022
Policy & regulation

California's plan to avoid blackouts relies on fossil fuels as last resort

Gov. Newsom is seeking $1B for home batteries, $300M to reduce demand — and $5.2B that would likely go to gas plants and diesel generators.

By Jeff St. John . 25 May 2022
Climatetech finance

Arcadia buys Urjanet to tap its global and commercial energy data

Fresh off a $200M funding round, Arcadia is accelerating its product roadmap via acquisition.

By Julian Spector . 24 May 2022
Grid edge

How AI chips could make smart meters smarter

Grid tech vendor Utilidata and chipmaker Nvidia see artificial intelligence as the best way to manage a grid with more and more solar, batteries and EVs.

By Jeff St. John . 19 May 2022
Policy & regulation

Biden solar tariff probe pushes Indiana utility to burn more coal

The Commerce Department’s consideration of new tariffs for Southeast Asian solar-panel makers is stalling solar projects — and undermining the clean energy transition.

By Julian Spector . 5 May 2022
Energy efficiency

Startup Enervee has a new way to help people finance efficient appliances

Enervee's consumer-friendly online marketplace helps utilities get energy-efficient products into more homes. Its new low-interest microloan program could expand its reach.

By Jeff St. John . 5 May 2022
Policy & regulation

The US needs to build a bigger, stronger grid. FERC has a plan for that

A new federal proposal would task grid operators, states and utilities with planning a grid that can support clean energy over the long term — and fairly share the costs of building it.

By Jeff St. John . 25 April 2022
Grid edge

Home water heaters: A new ally in making grids cleaner

Smart water heaters can soak up clean power, then turn off when the grid is stressed. A new California utility pilot will test the concept at scale.

By Jeff St. John . 11 April 2022
Hydrogen

Experts say blending hydrogen into gas pipelines won't work

Utilities want to extend their infrastructure's useful life. But the evidence suggests the risks and costs far outweigh the negligible emissions-reduction impact.

By Jeff St. John . 29 March 2022