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

Duke Energy's solar plan questioned by North Carolina attorney general

State agencies and pro-solar groups are split over a controversial compromise on net metering. Proponents say it’s a model for rooftop solar. Opponents say it's a step backward.

By Jeff St. John . 23 March 2022
Policy & regulation

FERC Order 2222: Experts offer cheers and jeers for first round of filings

U.S. grid operators have to open up their energy markets to distributed energy. Here's what's good, bad and downright ugly in their initial plans.

By Jeff St. John . 14 March 2022
EV charging

GM and PG&E to test how EVs can power homes during blackouts

Despite the hype from automakers, vehicle-to-home charging is in its infancy. What will it take to scale?

By Jeff St. John . 8 March 2022
Grid edge

Goldman Sachs and Shell bet $75M that chain stores can boost grid resiliency

GridPoint will use the funds to expand its work beyond HVAC and lighting controls.

By Jeff St. John . 7 March 2022
Grid edge

EnergyHub buys Packetized Energy to get millions of thermostats and EVs to help balance the grid

Utilities need to orchestrate energy-smart devices at a massive scale. This startup's radically distributed approach could help.

By Jeff St. John . 3 March 2022
Solar

Florida bill could obliterate the state's up-and-coming solar industry

Net metering and other solar perks are on the chopping block.

By Elizabeth Djinis . 3 March 2022
Utilities

A net-zero future for gas utilities? Switching to underground thermal networks

Three pilot projects in Massachusetts will connect ground-source heat pumps to heat and cool entire neighborhoods.

By Jeff St. John . 1 March 2022
Grid edge

Virtual Peaker’s platform taps home devices to help utilities balance the grid

The scrappy Kentucky-based startup has landed $16.6M and a slew of big contracts.

By Jeff St. John . 25 February 2022
Electrification

New tools and tech to prep your electrical panel for an all-electric home

Solar, batteries, EVs and electric heat pumps can overload home electrical panels. Lots of companies are coming up with solutions.

By Jeff St. John . 22 February 2022
Batteries

People power: Hawaii utility wants to pay households to share clean energy

Hawaiian Electric and rooftop solar installers have agreed on a plan to shore up the state's grid. California, are you watching?

By Julian Spector . 14 February 2022