Affordability

Utilities

3 ways to fix California’s utility spending problem — if lawmakers act

SB 905 would curb returns on wildfire costs, seek new financing, and explore performance metrics to curb sky-high electric rates. Can it overcome utility opposition?

By Jeff St. John . 11 August 2026

Two people in green vests on transmission tower with some charred landscape visible on the ground — Inspectors climb on Southern California Edison transmission towers in Eaton Canyon alleged to be responsible for igniting the Eaton fire above Altadena and Pasadena on March 20, 2025. (Dean Musgrove/Los Angeles Daily News via Getty Images)

Offshore wind

Trump’s war on offshore wind is robbing a generation of workers

Building trades spent the past five years preparing for an offshore wind boom that went bust, leaving workers to mourn good-paying jobs that may never come back.

By Ajani Stella, Inside Climate News . 11 August 2026
Solar

In North Carolina, rooftop solar is alive and well despite headwinds

While the industry has suffered the loss of federal tax credits and other economic hits, leasing and batteries make the panels pencil out for many homeowners.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 10 August 2026
Heat pumps

World’s oldest cheddar-maker slashes energy bills with novel heat pumps

Innovative tech from U.K.-based Arkaya Energy cools fresh milk and redirects the resulting heat, saving Barber’s Farmhouse Cheesemakers more than $90,000 a year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 10 August 2026
Data centers

PJM’s big new data center plan: Make the states figure it out

Grid operator PJM wants states and utilities to hold data centers responsible for buying their own power — or risk being cut off from grid service.

By Jeff St. John . 5 August 2026
Data centers

Data centers take center stage in Wisconsin governor’s race

As the AI buildout spikes energy demand, Democrats and one Republican offer solutions ranging from ramping up clean energy to instituting ratepayer protections.

By Kari Lydersen . 4 August 2026
Solar

Illinois Solar for All is, at last, taking off

The state’s solar equity program has been in place for nearly a decade, but it wasn’t until recently, after years of grassroots efforts, that participation surged.

By Kari Lydersen . 3 August 2026
Fossil fuels

The coal industry gave Trump a wish list. He’s checking items off it.

The Trump admin is propping up the aging coal fleet despite the financial and environmental costs — and also making far-fetched plans to build new coal plants.

By Jeff St. John . 29 July 2026
Batteries

Want a home battery on a budget? Consider a portable, DIY system.

Power stations that recharge from the sun, a car, or a home outlet can keep appliances going in an outage. Some can even help lower electric bills.

By Alison F. Takemura . 28 July 2026
Electric vehicles

Solar-powered EV carshare pilot launches in Massachusetts

The aim? To expand access to electric vehicles among lower-income residents of Massachusetts, which has big EV dreams as it tries to decarbonize.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 July 2026
Electric vehicles

California to offer a novel $3,500 rebate for first-time EV buyers

Research shows that once drivers try an EV, they stick with them. That's why these incentives target those who’ve never owned one to maximize the bang for the buck.

By Jeff St. John . 27 July 2026