Electrification

Carbon-free buildings

How to decarbonize every building everywhere — just not all at once

To become climate-friendly, buildings need heat pumps, energy-efficiency measures, cleaner construction, and tech that makes their power use more flexible.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 March 2025
Electrification

Span’s new smart electrical panel can plug right into utility meters

Adding EVs and heat pumps can be costly for households and utilities. This Bay Area startup says a smaller version of its smart electrical panel could help.

By Jeff St. John . 25 March 2025
Heat pumps

California unveils first state plan to unleash heat pumps

The new blueprint aims to help California reach its goal of deploying 6 million heat pumps by 2030, a target it is currently lagging behind.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 March 2025
Heat pumps

How closing the ‘spark gap’ can boost heat pump adoption

In cold-weather states where power costs much more than gas, heat pumps can make utility bills go up. Better electricity rate design can help avoid that.

By Alison F. Takemura . 11 March 2025
Carbon-free buildings

New York gets closer to implementing gas ban in new buildings

The state is pushing ahead on all-electric buildings, but a draft building-code update leaves out recommended rules around batteries, EV charging, and solar.

By Colin Kinniburgh . 5 March 2025
Heat pumps

This map shows where to swap out industrial boilers for heat pumps

From Los Angeles to Philadelphia, ditching small industrial boilers for heat pumps could help clear smoggy skies.

By Alison F. Takemura . 4 March 2025
Heat pumps

For one Minnesotan, a new heat pump brings comfort and savings

Even in one of the coldest cities in the U.S., Kathy Palmer’s heat pump helps displace gas heating, lowers heating bills, and makes her home more comfortable.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 February 2025
Heat pumps

Heat pumps outsold gas furnaces by their biggest-ever margin in 2024

2024 heat pump shipments show the clean-heat transition is speeding up in the U.S.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 February 2025
Electric vehicles

As California EV sales stall, what happens to its landmark mandate?

After years of growth, flattening demand for electric vehicles raises questions about the state’s plan to ban sales of gas-powered cars by 2035.

By Alejandro Lazo . 19 February 2025
Geothermal

Networked geothermal advocates optimistic despite Massachusetts setback

Thermal energy networks are catching on in the state and around the country as a way to transition off gas and lower energy costs.

By Sarah Shemkus . 13 February 2025