Electrification

Yes, it’s possible to electrify a home on just 100 amps

It may require careful planning and efficient appliances like heat pumps, but 100-amp service can be enough to kick fossil fuels out of your home.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 December 2023

inside a 100-amp electrical panel. A graphic overlay says "Electrified Life." — A 100-amp electrical panel may be all you need to electrify your home. (Binh Nguyen/Canary Media; Square D)

Heat pumps

Heat pumps perform well in below-freezing weather, new research finds

A study in Maine found that heat pumps without fossil-fueled backup can deliver comfort and cost savings — even in the state's subzero winter temperatures.

By Sarah Shemkus . 1 August 2022
Podcast

One weird trick to make heat pumps boom

A simple incentive could change the game for home electrification in America.

Play

By 22 min . 29 June 2022
Carbon-free buildings

How century-old 'district energy' networks can help decarbonize cities

Vicinity Energy aims to convert Boston's steam network to run on clean electricity, showing how some cities can move toward climate-friendly heating and cooling of buildings.

By Jeff St. John . 7 June 2022
Grid edge

Sense raises $105M to bring real-time home energy data to the masses

Can household energy use be sensed down to the individual plug load? Yes, says this startup, which is embedding its tech in smart meters and electrical panels.

By Jeff St. John . 3 May 2022
Video

Video: Cooking without gas? Induction stoves are the future, so we test one out

Which pans work with an induction stove? How fast does it boil water? How well does it cook various foods? Watch to learn about climate-friendly cooking.

By Julian Spector . 2 May 2022
Carbon-free buildings

Washington state moves to electrify new buildings by requiring heat pumps

New commercial buildings in Washington will have to conform to what are now the country’s strongest electrification standards for the sector.

By Maria Gallucci . 29 April 2022
Podcast

How bitcoin is keeping zombie power plants alive

Cryptocurrency is an economic lifeline for dirty, aging coal and gas plants.

Play

By 20 April 2022
Heat pumps

These new double-duty heat pumps can warm both air and water

Heat pumps are a more efficient way to heat homes. Startup Harvest Thermal says its tech can turn them into thermal batteries too.

By Jeff St. John . 28 March 2022
Electrification

Span raises $90M to make smart panels the gateway to home electrification

Tesla alum's startup sets sights on expanding markets for orchestrating solar, batteries, EVs and electric appliances.

By Jeff St. John . 22 March 2022
Heat pumps

How to shift building heat to electric? NY activists have lots of ideas

Climate advocates are backing bills that would push New York state to go big on heat pumps — and move faster to phase out fossil gas.

By Jeff St. John . 11 March 2022