Policy & regulation

Solar

California regulators torpedo popular plan to boost community solar

The CPUC rejected a broad coalition’s effort to enable community-solar-and-battery projects, voting instead to approve a proposal solar groups say is dead on arrival.

By Jeff St. John . 30 May 2024
Solar

More batteries, less solar: California's solar turmoil in charts

A year after state regulators slashed rooftop solar incentives, new data shows mixed results — and presages tougher times ahead for solar installers.

By Jeff St. John . 23 May 2024
Emissions reduction

Portland, Maine, could launch a 'trust fund' to fight climate change

The city council is voting on an ordinance that would sell off renewable energy credits from solar projects to pay for new emission-cutting efforts.

By Annie Ropeik . 22 May 2024
Solar

California bill would undo rules making it hard for schools to go solar

State regulators slashed solar programs that school districts rely on to cut energy bills and finance sustainability projects. A new bill could fix that.

By Jeff St. John . 21 May 2024
Solar

El auge de la energía solar en Puerto Rico está en riesgo, advierten sus defensores

La energía solar ha sido un salvavidas para el territorio estadounidense durante apagones. Ahora una entidad gubernamental quiere deshacer la ley que protege un programa solar clave.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 May 2024
Solar

Puerto Rico’s rooftop solar boom is at risk, advocates warn

Rooftop solar has been a lifeline for the U.S. territory during blackouts. Now a government entity wants to undo a law protecting a key solar program.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 May 2024
Transmission

Landmark transmission reform could dramatically speed US energy transition

FERC released a long-awaited rule meant to fix the sluggish power line buildout. Advocates say it’s a win for clean energy, consumers — and grid reliability.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2024
Utilities

Can California's new fixed rates really help the energy transition?

Amid rising electricity rates, regulators add flat charges and drop power prices to try to boost EVs and heat pumps. But underlying utility costs are a problem.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2024
Clean energy

Vermont is on the cusp of mandating 100% clean electricity by 2035

The state’s Senate approved the measure this week, putting Vermont on track to be among the first states to fully decarbonize its power grid.

By Akielly Hu . 10 May 2024
Transmission

Looming power grid rules could make or break the US energy transition

Federal regulators are split on how to spread grid costs among states with dramatically different clean energy policies. Next week, they’ll reveal their decision.

By Jeff St. John . 7 May 2024