Energy efficiency

Electrification

Electrify your home with our handy roundup before tax credits expire

You could save thousands of dollars on heat pumps, solar, and other home energy updates if you act before Dec. 31. Our explainers and guides will get you up to speed fast.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 November 2025
Guest essay

Electricity is too expensive. Here are three ways to fix that.

Lawmakers nationwide can lower power bills by cutting utility profits, rewarding the companies for boosting efficiency, and unleashing solar and storage.

By John Farrell . 14 November 2025
Policy & regulation

Massachusetts bill would undo climate goals and cut efficiency spending

The Democratic lawmaker behind the proposal says it will make energy more affordable, but opponents say it would harm the environment and consumers.

By Sarah Shemkus . 13 November 2025
Heat pumps

Inside the Colorado factory where AtmosZero is electrifying steam

Many facilities need steam, but making it is CO2-intensive. AtmosZero is working to scale production of its heat-pump boiler to help decarbonize industrial heat.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 October 2025
Heat pumps

Boston is piloting window heat pumps in affordable housing

Housing authorities in Boston and two nearby cities are installing plug-in heat pumps from startup Gradient to try to swiftly and affordably cut emissions.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 October 2025
Energy efficiency

North Carolina funds repairs so Helene-hit homes can get energy upgrades

Hurricane Helene struck a year ago, leaving many houses too damaged to access free retrofits that cut families’ energy bills. The state aims to help.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 September 2025
Energy efficiency

Cuts to Rhode Island energy-efficiency plan bad for residents, study says

Rhode Island has long led on efficiency. A proposal to slash funding may cost the state $90 million in benefits — while saving each household less than $2 a month.

By Sarah Shemkus . 22 September 2025
Carbon-free buildings

Newark Airport's historic terminal gets an all-electric makeover

Historic buildings are hard to electrify. The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey pulled it off for a landmark structure while preserving its Art Deco flair.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 September 2025
Energy efficiency

North Carolina families see lower bills with new Duke Energy program

The utility refers low-income customers to groups like Energy Savers Network, which provides free efficiency retrofits for long-term savings.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 September 2025
Electrification

This Massachusetts town banned gas — and housing boomed anyway

Critics say stringent, pro-electrification building codes and restrictions on natural gas will impede housing developers. A Boston suburb is proving them wrong.

By Sarah Shemkus . 6 August 2025