Energy equity

Solar

Bringing community solar to low-income customers is harder than it looks

Reactivate CEO Utopia Hill says building trust is critical in communities where many people are deeply skeptical of outsiders offering to make a deal.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 April 2023
Fun stuff

Canary Live Boston: Watch the event on Thurs., April 6 at 6:00 PM ET

We're broadcasting our event live from Greentown Labs in Somerville, Mass. this week.

By Nicholas Rinaldi . 5 April 2023
Solar

Why Puerto Rican communities are all-in on solar microgrids

Advocates say the island's goal to reach 100% renewable energy should be met through a community-led, decentralized approach.

By Carolina Baldin . 4 April 2023
Transportation

NYC adopts e-bike rules with focus on fire safety and equity

The new policies aim to make it easier for low-income residents to access high-quality models, without banning the zero-emissions devices many workers depend on.

By Maria Gallucci . 24 March 2023
Grid edge

Sunnova seeks $3.3B DOE loan guarantee to expand virtual power plants

An SEC filing suggests the federal Loan Programs Office is gearing up to help lower-income households access rooftop solar and batteries that can help the grid.

By Jeff St. John . 21 March 2023
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