Policy & regulation

Utilities

Colorado mandates ambitious emissions cuts for its gas utilities

Resisting industry pressure, regulators ordered a 41% emissions reduction by 2035 — a move that supports Colorado’s climate goals and could guide other states.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 December 2025
Utilities

FirstEnergy seeks looser reliability rules as outages grow more common

The firm wants regulators to let its three Ohio utilities take longer to restore power. Advocates say it’s unfair, as customers already pay to strengthen the grid.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 2 December 2025
Electrification

Hundreds of low-income Illinois families are going electric — for free

As federal incentives for home electrification disappear, an innovative state law lets utilities meet energy-efficiency mandates by getting people off gas.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 December 2025
Electric vehicles

Chicago-area mayors push ahead on EVs despite federal pullback

Trump funding cuts scrambled the Metropolitan Mayors Caucus' plans to deploy chargers, but the group is redoubling other efforts to boost EV adoption.

By Kari Lydersen . 24 November 2025
Electrification

Electrify your home with our handy roundup before tax credits expire

You could save thousands of dollars on heat pumps, solar, and other home energy updates if you act before Dec. 31. Our explainers and guides will get you up to speed fast.

By Alison F. Takemura . 21 November 2025
Fossil fuels

Trump cites ‘emergency’ to keep Michigan coal plant online into winter

The Energy Department’s orders to keep the J.H. Campbell plant running are driving up costs and pollution. States and advocates are challenging the move in court.

By Jeff St. John . 19 November 2025
Solar

Wisconsin lawmakers look to break utility grip on community solar

Utilities have blocked prior attempts to let other developers build community solar in the state. Now legislators have a bill meant to address opponents’ concerns.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 November 2025
Clean energy

This Ohio county banned wind and solar. Now, residents are pushing back.

Richland County forbade large-scale renewable energy in most townships. Next May, voters will have a chance to reject the rules in a first-of-its-kind referendum.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 November 2025
Data centers

Will PJM do what it takes to get data-center costs under control?

Advocates say new data centers in the biggest U.S. power market should have to stop using electricity when demand peaks to help rein in costs. Tech companies disagree.

By Jeff St. John . 17 November 2025
Carbon-free buildings

New York pauses its landmark gas ban in new buildings

The state will delay enforcement until a legal dispute is settled, the latest in a string of moves from Gov. Hochul to “govern in reality” around energy.

By Alison F. Takemura . 14 November 2025