Electrification

DOE bars homes from using rebates to ditch fossil-fueled heating

The Trump admin’s new rules block Americans from accessing rebates for electric heat pumps if they previously had oil, natural gas, or propane systems.

By Dan Gearino . 3 June 2026

Two men carrying a heat pump by a shingled house, while a third holds a tool — HVAC technicians install a heat pump system at a home in Charlotte, Vermont, on July 21, 2025. (Robert Nickelsberg/Getty Images via Inside Climate News)

Electrification

Bay Area looks to exempt some households from gas water-heater phaseout

The region is finalizing its first-in-the-nation rule to limit the sale of polluting gas water heaters, which will take effect next year.

By Alison F. Takemura . 20 May 2026
Heat pumps

Amazon bets on what could be a game-changing heat pump

The tech giant signed a multiyear contract with Transaera, a startup with MIT roots, for next-gen heat pumps that will help reduce energy costs and emissions.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 May 2026
Clean industry

Industry can dodge fuel shocks by electrifying. What’s the holdup?

As the Iran war spikes fossil fuel prices, Oxford University experts demystify electric tech’s vast potential to decarbonize industry — and how policy can help.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 May 2026
Heat pumps

New winter rates saved at least $37M for Massachusetts heat-pump owners

Rhode Island and New York are in the early stages of considering similar discounts for households that install the electric, clean-heating technology.

By Sarah Shemkus . 30 April 2026
Electrification

Local policies to get buildings off gas keep winning in court

Even though a court struck down Berkeley, California’s pioneering gas ban in 2023, similar lawsuits against electric building and appliance standards are flailing.

By Alison F. Takemura . 29 April 2026
Electrification

San Francisco helps home child care centers wean off gas

The city launched a $300,000 pilot to swap gas water heaters for electric heat-pump versions at child care facilities in disadvantaged communities.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 April 2026
Solar

Why smartphone cameras could unlock cheaper, faster rooftop solar

Remote virtual inspections are now a well-tested tool for contractors and building agencies alike. Solar and electrification advocates want more states to adopt them.

By Jeff St. John . 22 April 2026
Solar

What to know before you get balcony solar

States are starting to embrace plug-and-play solar. Get up to speed on the cost, payback, and safety bona fides of the systems before they hit shelves near you.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 April 2026
Electric vehicles

California bill would limit EV-charging access in affordable housing

Legislation backed by developers would waive EV-charging requirements for new low-income housing projects, just as the state looks to build 1 million more units.

By Alison F. Takemura . 13 April 2026
Heat pumps

Bay Area startup introduces flat-rate, single-room heat pumps

Merino Energy says its through-the-wall heat pumps are faster to install than ductless systems. They’ll be available for $3,800 — installation included.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 April 2026