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

A person on a ladder leaned on a manufactured home. — Karen Bushey, a senior engineering consultant with VEIC, measures the energy efficiency of a newly delivered, all-electric manufactured home at Tri-Park Cooperative Housing in Brattleboro, Vermont. (Matthew Smith/VEIC)

Energy efficiency

Massachusetts Senate preserves energy-efficiency funding in new bill

Earlier this year, the House proposed $1B in cuts to the state’s nation-leading efficiency program. The Senate rejected that idea in a sweeping new energy bill.

By Sarah Shemkus . 25 June 2026
Energy efficiency

Norwegian startup raises $6M to fix this sneaky source of energy waste

Eqon makes devices that can “dim” the power consumed by electric heating cables, which factories and cities use — often inefficiently — to keep surfaces warm.

By Maria Gallucci . 24 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
Solar

Will New York Gov. Kathy Hochul sign a balcony solar bill?

The legislature passed a measure to allow DIY plug-in solar panels, and clean energy boosters are hopeful that Hochul will sign it to promote affordability.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 June 2026
Energy efficiency

Clean energy and efficiency spared in Rhode Island budget process

The state legislature rebuked Democratic Gov. Dan McKee’s effort to roll back emissions targets and funding for energy efficiency in the name of affordability.

By Dan McCarthy, Sarah Shemkus . 10 June 2026
Utilities

Utilities aren’t sharing smart meter data in PJM. That’s a problem.

Demand-response companies say utilities in the biggest U.S. energy market are blocking gigawatts of grid relief by withholding data meant to help customers save money.

By Jeff St. John . 4 June 2026
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
Carbon-free buildings

Software is helping this real estate giant burn less gas in NYC

AvalonBay saved big and cut pollution by outfitting apartments with tech that runs HVAC equipment more efficiently. Now the firm is scaling the strategy nationwide.

By Jeff St. John . 12 May 2026
Energy efficiency

Why are blue states scapegoating energy efficiency?

Energy-efficiency programs yield long-term benefits for utility bills and the climate. We found three reasons why Democrats are looking to cut them anyway.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 April 2026
Politics

Maryland bill trades cost-saving energy efficiency for short-term relief

Advocates say Maryland lawmakers passed energy proposals, including one on nuclear subsidies, without adequate analysis or public debate during the 2026 session.

By Aman Azar . 23 April 2026