Electrification

Clean energy manufacturing

US factories are struggling to get cleaner heat. These ideas may help.

Many manufacturers burn fossil fuels to make snacks, materials, and chemicals. High electricity costs are complicating their efforts to switch to cleaner technologies.

By Maria Gallucci . 27 July 2026

A woman in white shirt and white hair net examines yellow bottles of Delight on a factory line — A worker inspects bottles at Danone’s manufacturing plant in Jacksonville, Florida. Factories across the United States rely on natural gas for industrial heat and steam but could switch to using electricity. (Rick Wilson/AP Content Services for Danone North America)

Electrification

New Trump rules make it more costly to electrify North Carolina homes

The Department of Energy recently announced new guidance that prevents “fuel switching,” scrambling the state’s first-ever electrification program.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 July 2026
Electrification

Southern California clean-heat rule survives key legal challenge

A U.S. appeals court upheld the first-in-the-nation measure, which will slash smog-forming emissions from certain gas-fueled boilers and heaters in the region.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 July 2026
Energy efficiency

Trump admin could undermine energy efficiency with dubious new analysis

A Department of Energy study found that the latest version of an international energy code would raise construction costs by billions — and ignored bill savings.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 July 2026
Hydropower

Could hydropower hamper NYC’s building decarbonization law?

New York City building owners can soon buy renewable energy credits to comply with Local Law 97. Climate groups want Mayor Mamdani to limit this practice.

By Benjy Sachs, New York Focus . 7 July 2026
Electrification

In this Brooklyn warehouse, stoves are turned into batteries

Startup Electra is outfitting induction stoves with slender batteries that enable the electric appliances to be plugged into a standard outlet — and help the grid.

By Maria Gallucci . 6 July 2026
Electrification

How an NYC high-rise is keeping cool with geothermal energy

New York City’s green building laws are pushing developers toward cleaner technologies — even as state policymakers backtrack on climate change targets.

By Maria Gallucci . 1 July 2026
Energy efficiency

Vermont is boosting new homes that can cut energy use in half

A nation-leading program that encourages superefficient manufactured homes is underway in Vermont, and will produce significant energy savings for residents.

By Alison F. Takemura . 30 June 2026
Heat pumps

Heat pumps may soon outsell air conditioners in US

For years, heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces in the U.S. — and now the superefficient appliances are coming for conventional ACs, too.

By Dan McCarthy . 26 June 2026
Heat pumps

Installing a heat pump might increase the value of your home

A new report finds that mentioning all-electric heat pumps in real estate listings delivers a sales premium. But most agents don't note the appliance.

By Alison F. Takemura . 22 June 2026
Heat pumps

Want a deal on a heat pump? Team up with your neighbors.

Bulk buying is a tried-and-true way to get discounts on rooftop solar. Now programs aimed at heat pumps are popping up too, helping people save thousands of dollars.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 June 2026