Policy & regulation

Solar

Interconnection bottleneck threatens community solar success in Illinois

One of the state’s largest utilities, Ameren, takes years to approve projects. That’s creating headaches for developers racing to use expiring federal tax credits.

By Kari Lydersen . 1 October 2025
Hydropower

US hydropower is at a make-or-break moment

Gigawatts of clean energy are at stake as aging hydropower plants approach deadlines for relicensing — a yearslong, often extremely expensive process.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 1 October 2025
Electric vehicles

Will the Southeast’s booming EV sector survive the end of tax credits?

Demand for electric vehicles is rising in the region, a new study says. Consumers, utilities, and automakers may help sustain growth despite loss of federal support.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 30 September 2025
Virtual power plants

Did California just screw up the largest virtual power plant in the US?

Lawmakers axed funding for the state’s most promising effort yet to cut grid costs with solar-charged batteries and smart thermostats. Can the program be saved?

By Jeff St. John . 29 September 2025
Energy markets

Why states are threatening to leave PJM — and why they probably won’t

The grid operator’s high power prices and long interconnection queue have Democratic and Republican governors eyeing an exit, but analysts warn it could backfire.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 26 September 2025
Energy efficiency

North Carolina funds repairs so Helene-hit homes can get energy upgrades

Hurricane Helene struck a year ago, leaving many houses too damaged to access free retrofits that cut families’ energy bills. The state aims to help.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 September 2025
Heat pumps

States get a blueprint to speed up heat-pump adoption

A new report offers more than 50 useful strategies for states to help residents replace fossil-fuel-burning furnaces and water heaters with cleaner heat pumps.

By Alison F. Takemura . 24 September 2025
Offshore wind

Revolution Wind’s stop-work order has been lifted. What happens next?

When it comes to blocking offshore wind projects, the Trump administration’s current legal strategy may be undermining its chance of success.

By Clare Fieseler . 23 September 2025
Solar

Plug-in solar bills are in the works in New Hampshire and Vermont

DIY "balcony" solar kits, which can save residents money and give them more independence, are piquing interest from lawmakers on both sides of the aisle.

By Sarah Shemkus . 23 September 2025
Energy markets

New California law could expand energy trading across the West

Backers of a Western trading market say it could save billions and boost renewables. After years of delays, California is moving forward with the idea.

By Jeff St. John . 23 September 2025