Energy efficiency

Energy efficiency

In U-turn, Trump approves low-income energy-assistance funds

A new spending bill gives the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program $4 billion — a reversal from the Trump administration’s proposal to eliminate it last spring.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 February 2026
Heat pumps

Startup Jetson raises $50M to deploy affordable heat pumps

The vertically integrated company says it can install heat pumps at half the costs of competitors. Now, Jetson plans to expand product offerings and service areas.

By Alison F. Takemura . 23 January 2026
Solar

California bills would cut red tape for balcony solar and heat pumps

State Sen. Scott Wiener wants to tackle energy affordability by making it easier than ever for households to adopt increasingly popular clean-energy tech.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 January 2026
Energy efficiency

Cuts to manufactured-home efficiency rules would hit Southeast hard

A U.S. House vote to repeal new efficiency standards for manufactured housing is a blow to a region where such homes are common and energy burdens are high.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 14 January 2026
Carbon-free buildings

7 numbers that explain why the future of buildings is all-electric

Key indicators, from the cost of fossil gas to the number of heat pumps sold, signal building decarbonization will march onward in the U.S. despite challenges.

By Alison F. Takemura . 7 January 2026
Electrification

California’s plan to boost plug-in heat pumps and induction stoves

Regulators greenlit a $115 million, first-of-its-kind effort to drive demand for tech that can make home electrification easier and cheaper.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 December 2025
Geothermal

Why this Colorado coal town is digging geothermal

Hayden is tapping renewable thermal energy to affordably heat and cool its new business park — and entice companies looking to reduce energy costs.

By Alison F. Takemura . 15 December 2025
Utilities

Colorado mandates ambitious emissions cuts for its gas utilities

Resisting industry pressure, regulators ordered a 41% emissions reduction by 2035 — a move that supports Colorado’s climate goals and could guide other states.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 December 2025
Electrification

Hundreds of low-income Illinois families are going electric — for free

As federal incentives for home electrification disappear, an innovative state law lets utilities meet energy-efficiency mandates by getting people off gas.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 December 2025
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