Policy & regulation

Virtual power plants

Will California fund or kill its thriving virtual power plant program?

Gov. Newsom’s administration has proposed ending a program that’s brought a gigawatt of grid relief online. Lawmakers want to know what will replace it.

By Jeff St. John . 31 March 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bills make inroads across New England

Energy affordability woes are pushing all six states to advance legislation allowing DIY, plug-in solar panels. A bill is even nearing the governor’s desk in Maine.

By Sarah Shemkus . 27 March 2026
Offshore wind

Trump’s $1B offshore wind payout to TotalEnergies sparks legal concerns

Offshore wind and legal experts question whether Interior has the authority to reimburse the oil giant for canceled leases, especially if it taps taxpayer dollars.

By Maria Gallucci . 26 March 2026
Clean energy

Virginia set to enact a flurry of laws boosting cleaner, cheaper power

Gov. Abigail Spanberger is expected to sign bills promoting solar power, batteries, grid tech, and, above all, affordability.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 26 March 2026
Solar

Ohio blocks big solar farm, despite apparently fake public comments

Regulators acknowledged the suspicious comments but deferred to local government opposition to Crossroads Solar, continuing what some see as unfair siting practices.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 24 March 2026
Offshore wind

Trump’s latest salvo to upend offshore wind: Pay firms not to build it

The administration will pay TotalEnergies $1B to end its offshore wind leases and invest in LNG exports. Critics say the move could make energy even more expensive.

By Maria Gallucci . 23 March 2026
Utilities

Ann Arbor, Michigan, prepares to launch its own clean energy utility

Investor-owned utilities have been slow to ditch fossil fuels. The city of Ann Arbor plans to boost access to renewables with a unique model rolling out this year.

By Carey L. Biron . 23 March 2026
Data centers

Duke Energy agrees to explore a cleaner way to power data centers

A settlement deal would commit the North Carolina utility to working with Google on a scheme that lets data centers pay to secure 24/7 clean energy.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 19 March 2026
Solar

Balcony solar bill gains momentum in Illinois

More than two dozen states are considering bills that would make it easier for households to adopt plug-in solar arrays. Illinois could be next to pass one.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 March 2026
Fossil fuels

Trump deal for a $33B gas megaplant in Ohio faces huge hurdles

The government’s surprise announcement lacked key details, leading some to doubt if the project can secure equipment, permits, and room on the grid any time soon.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 March 2026