Policy & regulation

Solar

New California rooftop-solar plan drops ‘solar tax,’ but fears remain

California regulators want to promote equity and boost batteries to shore up the grid. Critics on both sides say the latest net-metering plan misses the mark.

By Jeff St. John . 10 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: Is a green wave of climate finance finally gaining momentum?

Our third dispatch from the U.N. climate conference looks at controversies over “loss and damage,” carbon offsets, the future of fertilizer and more.

By Adam Aston . 10 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27: We’re on a highway to climate hell. Let’s build an offramp

Our second dispatch from the U.N. conference looks at holding wealthy nations accountable for their outsize role in climate change. Plus: What comes after 1.5°C?

By Adam Aston . 8 November 2022
Heat pumps

Heat pumps now required for new homes in Washington state

New-build residences will have to install energy-efficient heat pumps starting in July as part of Washington’s ambitious efforts to curb carbon emissions.

By Maria Gallucci . 8 November 2022
Utilities

Hawaii moves to time-varying 'smart' rates for most utility customers

The first-in-the-nation statewide plan will nudge residents to shift their energy use to times that best align with Hawaii's increasingly solar-powered grid.

By Julian Spector . 8 November 2022
Guest essay

COP27 climate talks kick off: Here's what people are talking about

Our first dispatch from the U.N. climate conference in Egypt spotlights energy and equity issues in Africa, plus political progress and uncertainty in the U.S.

By Adam Aston . 7 November 2022
Climatetech finance

What challenges will confront DOE loan program for energy retrofits?

It takes more than money to retool dirty energy infrastructure to be clean. Can utilities, regulators and communities agree on how to spend it?

By Jeff St. John . 7 November 2022
Climate crisis

What to watch at COP27: Climate justice, clean technology and money

Will breakthroughs happen at the U.N. climate summit in Egypt? RMI CEO Jon Creyts shares thoughts on the urgency of the moment and opportunities to make gains.

By Jeff St. John . 4 November 2022
Electrification

Lyft, Airbnb and other companies join forces to help you go electric

An unexpected coalition aims to assist Americans in taking advantage of the decarbonization benefits in the Inflation Reduction Act.

By Alison F. Takemura . 3 November 2022
Climatetech finance

How will DOE loan out $250B to make dirty energy systems clean?

A new Biden admin program can help replace coal plants with clean energy, switch gas pipelines to hydrogen, upgrade transmission, and more. Here are the wonky details.

By Jeff St. John . 3 November 2022