Energy efficiency

Heat pumps

Proposed rule change could supercharge sales of heat-pump water heaters

The DOE plans to update efficiency standards for water heaters, a move that could spur mass adoption in U.S. households and make a big dent in emissions.

By Akielly Hu . 7 August 2023
Energy efficiency

California sees success tying energy efficiency rebates to real results

The state is revamping how it calculates energy efficiency incentives. The goal? Base payments on real-world benefits for customers and the grid — not estimates.

By Jeff St. John . 1 August 2023
Heat pumps

Heat pumps sold so fast in Maine, the state just upped its target

The chilly New England state blew past its goal to install 100,000 heat pumps by 2025. Now it's pledging to install 175,000 more by 2027.

By Alison F. Takemura . 27 July 2023
Grid edge

Why aren't Texans paid to help prevent blackouts during heat waves?

As the state endures another bout of extreme heat, experts lament its lack of incentives to recruit residents to help ease demand on the stressed grid.

By Jeff St. John . 24 July 2023
Guides and how-tos

What's a home energy audit — and should you get one?

To kick off Canary Media's new Electrified Life column, we break down what to expect from an energy audit and why it's a smart starting point for home electrification.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 July 2023
Podcast

The great Bitcoin energy debate

Proponents say Bitcoin mines support grid reliability and incentivize renewable projects. Opponents say they increase carbon emissions and electricity prices.

Play

By Shayle Kann . 49 min . 11 May 2023
Energy efficiency

Airbnb will help some hosts pay for new heat pumps

A pilot program in Massachusetts will give Airbnb vacation-rental owners $2,500 to install air-source heat pumps and make their properties more energy-efficient.

By Alison F. Takemura . 26 April 2023
Energy efficiency

Google's huge solar buys help fund efficiency fixes for low-income homes

In partnership with Sol Systems, the tech giant is using a slice of its clean-energy investments for repairs and efficiency upgrades in lower-income communities.

By Jeff St. John . 8 March 2023
Energy efficiency

Foam panels can turn old abodes into energy-efficient homes of the future

A research team at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory is using machine learning and AR headsets to speed up energy retrofits for residences.

By Alison F. Takemura . 10 February 2023
Electrification

Rebates for home energy upgrades are coming soon. Here’s how to plan

A home-energy expert offers 5 to-dos for households eager to ditch their fossil-fuel appliances with help from the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Act.

By Maria Gallucci . 7 February 2023