Utilities

Utilities

First utility-owned geothermal network to double in size with DOE funds

The $8.6 million grant for Eversource’s pioneering project in Framingham, Massachusetts, is a rare win for renewable energy under the Trump administration.

By Phil McKenna . 5 December 2025
Policy & regulation

Delayed heating assistance kicks off a winter of energy challenges

Federal LIHEAP funding, held up by the government shutdown, has become even more critical as winter heating prices are forecast to spike.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 5 December 2025
Clean energy

Georgia hashes out plan to let data centers build their own clean energy

The long-sought program could ease cost and climate risks — especially if it lets renewable energy secured by tech giants avert a big buildout of gas plants.

By Jeff St. John . 5 December 2025
Utilities

After Ohio’s landmark decisions on HB 6 utility scandal, what’s next?

Regulators just fined FirstEnergy $250M over its bribery scheme. While historically high, the amount falls short of what consumer advocates had pushed for.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 3 December 2025
Utilities

Colorado mandates ambitious emissions cuts for its gas utilities

Resisting industry pressure, regulators ordered a 41% emissions reduction by 2035 — a move that supports Colorado’s climate goals and could guide other states.

By Alison F. Takemura . 2 December 2025
Utilities

FirstEnergy seeks looser reliability rules as outages grow more common

The firm wants regulators to let its three Ohio utilities take longer to restore power. Advocates say it’s unfair, as customers already pay to strengthen the grid.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 2 December 2025
Fossil fuels

Trump cites ‘emergency’ to keep Michigan coal plant online into winter

The Energy Department’s orders to keep the J.H. Campbell plant running are driving up costs and pollution. States and advocates are challenging the move in court.

By Jeff St. John . 19 November 2025
Batteries

Batteries are helping Chattanooga keep the lights on — and bills low

In Tennessee, municipal utility EPB is scaling up its battery fleet in order to improve grid resilience and also shave costs for its customers.

By Julian Spector . 19 November 2025
Solar

Wisconsin lawmakers look to break utility grip on community solar

Utilities have blocked prior attempts to let other developers build community solar in the state. Now legislators have a bill meant to address opponents’ concerns.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 November 2025
Data centers

Data-center power forecasts climb to unreachable heights

Utilities expect electricity growth to reach levels that are hard to fathom — and they’re using those estimates to justify costly new investments in fossil gas.

By Jeff St. John . 18 November 2025