Energy equity

Solar

This startup has a smarter way to make solar work for apartments

Allume Energy’s SolShare tech can divvy up solar output among apartment units however property owners choose, delivering more flexibility to an underserved market.

By Jeff St. John . 16 March 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
Grid edge

This startup turns electric water heaters into grid batteries

Shifted Energy is tapping water heaters in lower-income communities to create virtual power plants that help balance the grid, starting in Hawaii.

By Jeff St. John . 6 March 2023
Electrification

BlocPower raises $155M to speed up its all-electric building retrofits

The startup partners with cities and uses software and financing to make electrification pay off for low- and moderate-income residents.

By Jeff St. John . 1 March 2023
Utilities

This software factors climate risk and energy equity into grid planning

Utilities need to know how their equipment upgrades will impact vulnerable communities. UrbanFootprint’s platform provides the necessary data.

By Jeff St. John . 23 February 2023
Solar

Want to go solar? These companies and groups are here to help

Shaded roof? Tight budget? Confused by all the options? There are resources to help all kinds of people access solar power.

By Eric Wesoff . 10 February 2023
Carbon-free buildings

These New York City apartments are affordable — and sustainable

Ultra-efficient high-rises and net-zero neighborhoods now in development could offer a blueprint for cities grappling with rising carbon emissions and dwindling affordable housing.

By Maria Gallucci . 9 February 2023
Guest essay

We need to get fossil gas out of homes, for the climate and our health

Dr. Gaurab Basu electrified his home with incredible results. He believes that with the right policies in place, everyone can do it.

By Gaurab Basu . 9 February 2023
Video

Video: NYC residents have cleaner air after ditching gas stoves

A pilot study at a public-housing complex in the Bronx found that air quality drastically improved in apartments that switched to electric induction stoves.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 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