Grid edge

Utilities

Utilities aren’t sharing smart meter data in PJM. That’s a problem.

Demand-response companies say utilities in the biggest U.S. energy market are blocking gigawatts of grid relief by withholding data meant to help customers save money.

By Jeff St. John . 4 June 2026
EV charging

In Massachusetts, parked EVs will start feeding the grid this summer

Three electric school buses will kick-start the state’s groundbreaking vehicle-to-grid pilot program once school's out, with more EVs to be added in the coming months.

By Sarah Shemkus . 3 June 2026
Solar

This AI tool helps community solar developers connect to the grid sooner

Startup MeanderX maps bottlenecks on distribution lines in Illinois and seven other states, so projects can avoid lengthy delays.

By Kari Lydersen . 26 May 2026
Clean energy

24/7 renewables could happen sooner than you think

Grouping wind, solar, and batteries together can already be more affordable than building a coal or gas plant in prime locations, new report finds.

By Julian Spector . 21 May 2026
Solar

How big can solar go? These 3 projects show us the gigascale future

A handful of sensationally large developments are underway around the world, testing just how big solar can get.

By Julian Spector . 19 May 2026
Solar

Solar to overtake coal on Texas grid for the first time ever this year

The Trump administration likes to cast renewables as a socialist scam, but solar has soared in the competitive markets of the Lone Star State.

By Julian Spector . 18 May 2026
Distributed energy resources

Two California bills would push utilities to get more out of their grids

The state’s three big utilities typically overbuild to meet peak demand. The legislation would order them to try virtual power plants and smarter grid tech instead.

By Jeff St. John . 30 April 2026
Virtual power plants

A new bill would help VPPs replace peaker plants in California

California has a lot of home batteries, EVs, and smart thermostats that could do the work of dirty peaker plants. SB 913 would try to make that possible.

By Jeff St. John . 29 April 2026
Virtual power plants

As utility costs rise, can ‘background’ smart thermostats offer relief?

Millions of smart thermostats auto-adjust temperatures to cut power bills or prioritize clean energy. Some utilities are mulling how that tech can help the grid, too.

By Jeff St. John . 20 April 2026
Virtual power plants

Xcel Minnesota is building a first-of-its-kind virtual power plant

Minnesota regulators just approved Xcel’s plan for a utility-owned VPP. Supporters say it could serve as a model for other utilities — but critics aren’t so sure.

By Jeff St. John . 8 April 2026