Affordability

Electric vehicles

It’s a great time to buy a used EV. Here’s how to get the right one.

With gas prices up and more affordable options hitting lots, used EVs are looking like a sweet deal. We offer some useful tips to help you make the best purchase.

By Alison F. Takemura . 27 May 2026
Electrification

Bay Area looks to exempt some households from gas water-heater phaseout

The region is finalizing its first-in-the-nation rule to limit the sale of polluting gas water heaters, which will take effect next year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 May 2026
Emissions reduction

Can a carbon price lower power bills? Virginia is betting yes.

With power demand from data centers skyrocketing, the state is rejoining a regional climate initiative.

By Jake Bittle . 5 May 2026
Heat pumps

New winter rates saved at least $37M for Massachusetts heat-pump owners

Rhode Island and New York are in the early stages of considering similar discounts for households that install the electric, clean-heating technology.

By Sarah Shemkus . 30 April 2026
Energy efficiency

Why are blue states scapegoating energy efficiency?

Energy-efficiency programs yield long-term benefits for utility bills and the climate. We found three reasons why Democrats are looking to cut them anyway.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 April 2026
Politics

Maryland bill trades cost-saving energy efficiency for short-term relief

Advocates say Maryland lawmakers passed energy proposals, including one on nuclear subsidies, without adequate analysis or public debate during the 2026 session.

By Aman Azar . 23 April 2026
Electric vehicles

Used EVs are a bargain right now — and buyers are noticing

New EV sales may be falling, but used models are more plentiful and cheaper than they’ve ever been. That’s a big opportunity as gas prices surge.

By Jeff St. John . 2 April 2026
Utilities

What if Duke Energy shared the burden of fuel costs with its customers?

If the utility had to pay a fraction of rising fuel prices, it might rethink its gas buildout and save North Carolinians tens of millions of dollars, a study finds.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 April 2026
Solar

Alabama Power can keep charging steep rooftop solar fee, judge rules

The standby charge, among the highest in the nation, is “chilling” solar in the sunny state, critics say. Alabama Power says the fee is needed to maintain the grid.

By Dennis Pillion . 1 April 2026
Clean energy

Virginia set to enact a flurry of laws boosting cleaner, cheaper power

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is expected to sign bills promoting solar power, batteries, grid tech, and, above all, affordability.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 26 March 2026