Electrification

After a gas furnace leak, this retiree went all-electric — for free

A low-income Baltimore homeowner got help from a nonprofit to install electric appliances and a solar array. She’s very thankful for the “blessings.”

By Alison F. Takemura . 9 November 2026

Woman in green and white dress and wearing glasses outside her front door — When Sherry Frazier needed a new fridge, she ended up getting cleaner indoor air — and much more. (Binh Nguyen/Canary Media; Sherry Frazier)

Electrification

This group-buy campaign makes it easier to switch to induction cooking

In Georgia and North Carolina, an electrification initiative has teamed up with startup Electra to lower the tech’s upfront cost and avoid expensive wiring upgrades.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 26 October 2026
Electrification

A new gas line or cash to electrify? California lets households choose.

Before replacing gas service lines, utilities will need to offer customers a financial incentive to electrify instead, thanks to a new law.

By Alison F. Takemura . 12 October 2026
Carbon-free buildings

California cities face months of delays in building code approvals

State law AB 130 has stalled local building efficiency rules for up to nearly a year, hampering progress on climate goals.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 October 2026
Transmission

Senate permitting bill could greatly expand power lines and clean energy

The U.S. transmission grid isn’t growing fast enough to meet surging electricity demand. Fast-tracking transmission upgrades could change that.

By Jeff St. John . 30 September 2026
Electrification

The Senate wants to pass a permitting reform bill. So what’s the holdup?

A bipartisan group of senators has a plan to speed up energy permits to meet rising demand, but data center backlash and environmental rollbacks are sticking points.

By Austin Corona, Grist . 28 September 2026
Electrification

Can this new induction stove help fuel the transition to clean cooking?

Copper's Charlie 2.0, to be manufactured by appliance giant Miele, comes with a battery that lets homes ditch the fossil fumes without an expensive electric upgrade.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 September 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
Heat pumps

California moves to cut red tape for heat pumps, solar, and more

Two bills on Gov. Newsom’s desk would reduce hurdles to heat pumps and home solar and batteries, which could reduce fees by $1,000 or more per project.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 September 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