Articles

ENN

Utility grant poses potential conflict for Michigan ratepayer board appointee

Utility watchdogs and ethics experts said a utility foundation’s donation last year to a Highland Park church creates the appearance of a conflict of interest for a pastor recently named to a utility consumer protection board.

By Tom Perkins . 20 April 2021
Policy & regulation

Ocasio-Cortez and Sanders introduce Green New Deal for affordable housing

The legislation aims to zero out carbon in affordable housing and reduce the energy burden for low-income households.

By Emma Foehringer Merchant . 19 April 2021
Wind

Renewable energy in the time of floods, droughts and hurricanes

Renewable energy plants are built to last decades. How will climate change alter the weather patterns they're designed for in the years to come?

By Jason Deign . 19 April 2021
Energy storage

Can solid-state battery company QuantumScape live up to the hype?

Being a public company means dealing with short-sellers and telling the public the actual truth.

By Eric Wesoff . 19 April 2021
Grid edge

Can a new way to pay for behind-the-meter flexibility help prevent rolling blackouts in California?

Marin Clean Energy’s Demand FLEXmarket merges efficiency and demand response to capture the value of behind-the-meter resources. Could it be the start of a statewide trend?

By Jeff St. John . 19 April 2021
ENN

In Ohio, utility and fossil fuel influence reaches beyond bailout bill

Dark money loopholes remain, while people linked to utilities and fossil fuels hold public office or enjoy ongoing access to government officials.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 19 April 2021
ENN

Utility and fossil fuel interests still ahead in Ohio under House Bill 6

A surgical repeal of parts of the 2019 bailout law means utilities, fossil fuel interests and nuclear plants still benefit.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 19 April 2021
ENN

FirstEnergy’s transparency pledge clashes with ongoing actions

The company’s broad view of its ongoing investigation for purposes of limiting public disclosures seems at odds with its narrow view and piecemeal approach to regulatory proceedings.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 19 April 2021
Batteries

Newsletter: Lithium-ion, electric trucks, using AI to finance solar in Africa and more

Plus, a Clubhouse on climate journalism next Tuesday.

By Nicholas Rinaldi . 16 April 2021
Batteries

How do lithium-ion batteries actually work?

It's still battery week, and it's finally time to get anodes and cathodes straight.

By David Roberts . 16 April 2021