Affordability

Energy efficiency

New manufactured homes may get more efficient thanks to housing law

The Trump administration has a year to issue updated energy conservation standards for the homes, a move that would especially help the rural South.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 15 July 2026
Offshore wind

Here’s how offshore wind helped New England beat record heat

The region has added dozens of turbines off the East Coast since last summer. They and other clean energy sources cut the need for oil power amid recent hot weather.

By Maria Gallucci . 14 July 2026
Utilities

More Ohioans are getting their power shut off as energy costs surge

Recent data reveals an uptick in households losing power because of unpaid utility bills — yet another sign of the ongoing national affordability crisis.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 14 July 2026
Solar

A new deal on balcony solar just dropped in the US

Plug-in panels can lower your bills. To boost the American market for the tech, nonprofit Bright Saver is selling kits with no markup, starting at around $300.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 July 2026
Electrification

New Trump rules make it more costly to electrify North Carolina homes

The Department of Energy recently announced new guidance that prevents “fuel switching,” scrambling the state’s first-ever electrification program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 July 2026
Liquefied natural gas

Hawaiʻi committed to 100% clean energy. Now it’s flirting with natural gas.

Gov. Josh Green, a Democrat, wants to import LNG to slash energy bills. But the move might not lead to savings — and it could trip up the state’s climate goals.

By Julian Spector, Savannah Harriman-Pote . 9 July 2026
Energy efficiency

Trump admin could undermine energy efficiency with dubious new analysis

A Department of Energy study found that the latest version of an international energy code would raise construction costs by billions — and ignored bill savings.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 July 2026
Policy & regulation

Major energy-affordability bill passes Massachusetts Senate

Now the legislature must hammer out the differences between the Senate text and the House version, which includes major cuts to energy-efficiency funding.

By Sarah Shemkus . 2 July 2026
Solar

Martha’s Vineyard solar array will cut bills for low-income islanders

A new rooftop solar project offers the first test of a community-benefit model that nonprofit PowerOptions Connect hopes to roll out across the Northeast.

By Sarah Shemkus . 1 July 2026
Carbon-free buildings

California’s choice: Cleaner air for schools or money for utilities

State lawmakers must decide whether to unlock $194M to fix aging school HVAC and plumbing systems or return it to utilities for a few dollars off monthly bills.

By Jeff St. John . 29 June 2026