Policy & regulation

Politics

California gubernatorial candidate pledges two hours of free power a day

Democrat Xavier Becerra estimates his plan can cut bills by $1,000 per year. A similar program in Australia offers a blueprint — and some caveats.

By Alison F. Takemura . 18 August 2026
Data centers

Major data center bills advance in California despite industry pushback

As the legislative session nears an end, lawmakers push ahead bills that aim to stop AI centers from raising utility costs and spur builders to opt for clean energy.

By Jeff St. John . 18 August 2026
Solar

After a 2-year wait, will Ohio’s largest solar project get the OK?

The Oak Run solar and storage project has been in legal limbo since 2024, showing local opponents’ power to delay clean energy. A decision may come soon.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 17 August 2026
Virtual power plants

Federal ruling hands virtual power plants a win in PJM

Firms that enlist homes to reduce energy demand — and costs — have long complained that utility data rules prevent them from helping in PJM. FERC agrees.

By Jeff St. John . 13 August 2026
Batteries

In Puerto Rico, Trump admin backs big battery project but snubs solar

The Energy Department closed a $490 million loan to Pattern Energy for a 220-MW battery project in Puerto Rico, which could be tied to natural gas instead of solar.

By Maria Gallucci . 12 August 2026
Utilities

3 ways to fix California's utility spending problem — if lawmakers act

SB 905 would curb returns on wildfire costs, seek new financing, and explore performance metrics to curb sky-high electric rates. Can it overcome utility opposition?

By Jeff St. John . 11 August 2026
Solar

Why Illinois has struggled to turn old coal sites into solar farms

The state’s plan to replace defunct coal infrastructure with renewable energy has fallen short, but the experience holds lessons for future coal-to-solar efforts.

By Kari Lydersen . 11 August 2026
Solar

In North Carolina, rooftop solar is alive and well despite headwinds

While the industry has suffered the loss of federal tax credits and other economic hits, leasing and batteries make the panels pencil out for many homeowners.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 10 August 2026
Solar

Trump launched big new solar tariffs. Here's what it means.

The cost of installing solar panels will rise. But now the U.S. has a large and fast-growing solar manufacturing industry to take advantage of the trade protections.

By Julian Spector . 7 August 2026
Wind

The Pentagon's wind farm blockade is over — for now

A federal judge issued yet another blow to Trump’s war on wind, ruling that the Defense Department must resume its review of onshore wind permit applications.

By Dan McCarthy . 6 August 2026