Affordability

Data centers

Questionable data center forecasts are driving up Ohio power bills

Critics question sky-high electricity demand predictions for Ohio, which rely on ambitious data center plans and put upward pressure on utility bills.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 9 September 2026
Solar

A Virginia school district pioneers solar and battery microgrids

Roanoke City Public Schools is building the state’s first solar-plus-storage systems to keep emergency shelters going during extreme weather and cut down on costs.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 8 September 2026
Politics

Clean energy super PAC looks to take down a Democratic governor

Rhode Island Gov. Dan McKee is the first Democrat targeted by the Invest in Tomorrow Coalition, which has notched wins against clean energy foes in GOP primaries.

By Sarah Shemkus . 2 September 2026
Solar

Can the Obama Presidential Center help Chicago embrace community solar?

As an anchor tenant for several off-site arrays in development, the center will help spur investment and educate residents on the benefits of shared solar.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 September 2026
Climate crisis

Gary power outage underscores stakes of Solar for All cancellation

Some city residents went two weeks without power following storms. The federal program, ended by Trump, would have enabled many to access solar and batteries.

By Kari Lydersen . 31 August 2026
Solar

Virginia to cut rooftop solar costs with nation-first bulk-buy program

Teaming up to buy solar can get residents deep discounts. Virginia is the first to try a statewide campaign as utility bills rise and data centers stress the grid.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 31 August 2026
Heat pumps

Heat-pump water heaters just keep getting better

Manufacturers are rolling out models that heat up at times when power is cheap, fit into tighter spaces, and aggressively cut energy bills.

By Alison F. Takemura . 27 August 2026
Balcony solar

California Legislature passes balcony solar bill

Unless Gov. Newsom blocks the bill, it will legalize plug-in solar in one of the world’s biggest economies. But the rules are more restrictive than some hoped for.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 August 2026
Virtual power plants

California virtual power plant bills clear key legislative hurdle

Last year, Gov. Newsom vetoed bills promoting home batteries, smart thermostats, and EV chargers to curb energy costs. Will he do the same this year?

By Jeff St. John . 26 August 2026
Energy markets

PJM has finally greenlit a lot of new clean power. Can it get built?

More than 50 GW of solar, wind, and batteries can now connect to PJM’s grid. It could help drive down costs — if states, utilities, and hyperscalers make it happen.

By Jeff St. John . 24 August 2026