Articles

Virtual power plants

New Orleans’ latest bid for a better grid: a citywide virtual power plant

The storm-prone city is making its local utility design a $28 million incentive program to get hundreds more backup batteries into homes and businesses.

By Julian Spector . 24 February 2026
Emissions reduction

Will the EU water down its new carbon tariff?

On Jan. 1, the bloc launched its world-first fee on the carbon emissions of imported goods. A European Commission proposal to allow exemptions is drawing ire.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 24 February 2026
Green steel

Green steelmaker Boston Metal to cut jobs following equipment failure

The startup’s critical metals business missed a key milestone due to an incident at its Brazil plant, leading it to lose financing and lay off 71 U.S. employees.

By Maria Gallucci . 23 February 2026
Batteries

Can a big battery help Boston save billions on the power grid? Maybe.

Grid operators don’t readily let batteries stand in for costly transmission upgrades, but this massive Massachusetts project could spur them to reconsider.

By Jeff St. John . 23 February 2026
Energy efficiency

How Oregon is building back smarter after wildfire

After a destructive fire, residents faced the task of rebuilding. Thanks to state incentives, the new homes are more energy efficient and resilient to future threats.

By Juliet Grable . 23 February 2026
Policy & regulation

Where’s New York on climate goals? Falling behind.

While other states expand decarbonization efforts amid federal opposition, New York is falling back on natural gas and may pause its climate goals altogether.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 20 February 2026
Batteries

Chart: Grid battery installations soared to a new high in 2025

The U.S. energy-storage sector has grown rapidly over the last few years as solar has expanded, costs have declined, and electricity demand has soared.

By Dan McCarthy . 20 February 2026
Guest essay

How solar and batteries help keep lights on during Texas winter storms

The recent boom in renewables and storage in Texas means its grid is much better prepared for bad weather than it was when Winter Storm Uri hit five years ago.

By Tam Hunt . 19 February 2026
Heat pumps

Zero Homes nabs $16.8M to go big on easier heat pump installation

The Denver-based startup’s software eliminates the usual in-person home visit to quote a heat pump project, saving customers time and money.

By Alison F. Takemura . 19 February 2026
Utilities

I let Duke Energy control my thermostat. I don’t regret it.

Throughout this freezing-cold winter, customers like me pitched in to save North Carolina’s grid, and we made a little money doing it.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 19 February 2026