Electrification

Electrification

Xcel Colorado’s new clean heat plan is a big deal. Here’s why.

The $440M plan to deploy heat pumps and electrify buildings is the product of a state law requiring gas utilities to cut emissions — and is an important test case.

By Carrie Klein . 8 August 2024
Heat pumps

New England and Alaska are about to deploy a lot more heat pumps

The EPA awarded these cold regions with a combined $488M to replace fossil-fueled heating with efficient electric heat pumps.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 August 2024
Electrification

Battery-powered induction stoves could be the future of clean cooking

This latest technical innovation, now starting to ship, means you can use an electric range with just a standard 120-volt outlet.

By Alison F. Takemura . 31 July 2024
Solar

This nuclear waste site could soon host a massive solar installation

The Hanford Site in Washington state, a radioactive relic of the Manhattan Project and Cold War, was selected by DOE to be outfitted with up to 1 GW of solar.

By Carrie Klein . 30 July 2024
Electrification

This little-known agency has billions to make federal buildings green

With nearly $3.4 billion from the climate law, the U.S. General Services Administration is working to slash emissions from building operations and construction.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 July 2024
Fossil fuels

New Washington state ballot initiative would prevent fossil gas bans

The industry-backed measure to protect fossil gas looks to have received enough signatures to appear on the ballot in November.

By Akielly Hu . 12 July 2024
Electrification

How to avoid panel upgrades so we can electrify more homes

Upsizing the electrical panel can be costly and unnecessary. A new report offers guidance on how to forgo upgrades so more funding can go to electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 July 2024
Fossil fuels

Just how bad are gas appliances for your health?

It's not all about the climate. There are loads of reasons to ditch gas stoves and appliances — and health concerns may be at the top of the list.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 June 2024
Heat pumps

This NYC high-rise is using heat pumps and waste heat to cut fossil fuels

The cutting-edge, state-backed project at 345 Hudson could be a model for other big buildings sprinting to comply with the city’s building decarbonization law.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 June 2024
Electrification

New startup aims to bring ‘solar-led electrification’ to California homes

Balto Energy, founded by a longtime energy modeling veteran, is the latest startup building software to try and predict the value of solar and home electrification.

By Jeff St. John . 18 June 2024