Electrification

Getting a heat pump took some effort. Here’s what I learned.

Millions of Americans will have to switch out their boilers and furnaces for heat pumps in the years to come. These are my main takeaways from getting one.

By Dan McCarthy . 30 September 2024

Electrification

Massachusetts dishes out $53M to decarbonize affordable housing

It’s the second round of grants from the state that focus on making affordable housing buildings electric, efficient, affordable, and healthy. More money is coming.

By Sarah Shemkus . 12 August 2024
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