Affordability

Batteries

Why batteries, not gas plants, should be data centers’ first choice

A new report from Georgetown and Duke researchers looks at the advantages of using batteries to meet data center demand — and offers some advice for states.

By Jeff St. John . 3 November 2026

A large gray-sided data center and adjacent power infrastructure behind a fence — An Aligned Data Centers facility in West Jordan, Utah (Charles-McClintock Wilson/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Climate justice

Trump cuts have left tribes without millions of dollars for clean energy

Canceled grants have stalled renewable energy, climate resilience, and infrastructure projects across Indian Country, adding to decades of federal underinvestment.

By Joseph Lee, Grist . 3 November 2026
Fossil fuels

Here's how much Trump's Iran war has added to Americans' fuel costs

As the conflict roils gasoline and diesel markets, the U.S. has seen a higher per-person cost increase than any other country, a new analysis finds.

By Ysabelle Kempe . 30 October 2026
Heat pumps

More heat pumps would actually be good for the grid, researchers find

In states with extra grid capacity in winter, heat pumps would help lower residential electricity rates by spreading out fixed costs, according to a new RMI study.

By Alison F. Takemura . 28 October 2026
Energy equity

Price hikes aren’t all that’s at stake in FirstEnergy Ohio’s rate case

Advocates are entering the regulatory fray to push the utility company to commit to more equitable, reliable service that also furthers the clean energy transition.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 October 2026
Energy efficiency

Massachusetts bill could hinder push to weatherize lower-income homes

The measure would add paperwork for some residents while leaving the rules unchanged for others, as legislators question how the state targets efficiency benefits.

By Sarah Shemkus . 22 October 2026
Data centers

Virginia’s new energy plan: Make the AI boom work for — not against — us

Democratic Gov. Abigail Spanberger’s just-released blueprint doubles down on the state’s landmark climate law while aiming to solve the data center growth problem.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 5 October 2026
Affordability

Here's why your energy bills are going up

Politicians talk about the energy affordability crisis but don't always grapple with the root causes — or the solutions. Here’s the lowdown.

By Julian Spector . 5 October 2026
Heat pumps

Massachusetts ups winter energy discounts for homes with heat pumps

It’s the only state that makes big utilities offer lower seasonal rates for heat pump owners, in an effort to boost adoption and create a fairer system.

By Sarah Shemkus . 17 September 2026
Affordability

Newsom's last chance to tackle California's electricity costs

The governor has blocked efforts to harness distributed energy to rein in rising utility rates. Bills on his desk could reverse that trend — if he signs them.

By Jeff St. John . 16 September 2026
Carbon capture

Is it time to rethink the Northeast's cap-and-trade system?

The Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative isn’t having the same emissions-cutting effect it used to. As power bills rise, some wonder if it is worth continuing.

By Sarah Shemkus . 16 September 2026