Utilities

Will PG&E’s $2B grid cutbacks derail California’s clean energy buildout?

The state’s utility wildfire liability conundrum could put clean energy projects in a delay doom loop — and solutions are going to be hard to come by.

By Jeff St. John . 5 November 2026

Photo collage of electric pole, fire, and solar panels — (Binh Nguyen/Canary Media; Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images; Brandon Bell/Getty Images)

Carbon capture

A Michigan utility’s iffy plan to trap CO2 from its new gas plants

DTE proposes building two gas plants to meet growing demand, claiming carbon capture and sequestration will help it reach state climate goals.

By Kari Lydersen . 4 November 2026
Energy equity

Price hikes aren’t all that’s at stake in FirstEnergy Ohio’s rate case

Advocates are entering the regulatory fray to push the utility company to commit to more equitable, reliable service that also furthers the clean energy transition.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 October 2026
Geothermal

New York to build state’s first two utility-scale thermal networks

Pilot projects in Haverstraw and Buffalo will test whether utilities can deliver clean heat instead of fossil fuels, all while retaining jobs.

By Jeff St. John . 21 October 2026
Data centers

Tech giants want clean energy in N.C. Is Duke finally ready to help?

In North Carolina, the utility seems ready to advance a bring-your-own-clean-energy proposal after years of inaction. Advocates say regulators need to see it through.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 15 October 2026
Electrification

A new gas line or cash to electrify? California lets households choose.

Before replacing gas service lines, utilities will need to offer customers a financial incentive to electrify instead, thanks to a new law.

By Alison F. Takemura . 12 October 2026
Transmission

California amps up pressure on grid buildouts that take too long

Transmission lines are hard to build — but they can’t take forever. A new law holds utilities accountable for delays that are holding back gigawatts of clean energy.

By Jeff St. John . 7 October 2026
Solar

Connecticut’s solar ambitions hit skepticism from a major utility

The state’s top utility has refused to sign deals for solar projects picked by the state. Will the same thing happen with Connecticut’s latest round of procurements?

By Sarah Shemkus . 7 October 2026
Affordability

Here's why your energy bills are going up

Politicians talk about the energy affordability crisis but don't always grapple with the root causes — or the solutions. Here’s the lowdown.

By Julian Spector . 5 October 2026
Virtual power plants

Newsom finally says yes to virtual power plants

California’s outgoing governor approved bills to contain utility spending and allow customers to get paid to let batteries, EVs, and appliances ease grid stress.

By Jeff St. John . 1 October 2026
Virtual power plants

Should we get excited about California’s latest virtual power plant?

Google and PG&E will enlist Silicon Valley homes with batteries and other devices to help the grid. But they’re ignoring the data center elephant in the room.

By Jeff St. John . 23 September 2026