Utilities

Utilities

Ohio corruption scandal looms over FirstEnergy rate case

Ohio’s ongoing corruption scandal has become an issue in FirstEnergy’s ratemaking case. Meanwhile, lawmakers are also pushing bills to end coal plant subsidies and boost in-state electricity generation.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 9 April 2025
EV charging

How Revel is fast-tracking new EV chargers through a deal with PG&E

The startup is getting charging hubs hooked up to congested urban grids faster in California by participating in the utility’s new “flexible connection” process.

By Jeff St. John . 1 April 2025
Utilities

Ohio utility retracts energy-efficiency plan despite potential savings

Duke Energy Ohio’s retreat is the latest chapter in a struggle to restore utility-run energy-saving programs that were eliminated by a 2019 law.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 March 2025
Electrification

Span’s new smart electrical panel can plug right into utility meters

Adding EVs and heat pumps can be costly for households and utilities. This Bay Area startup says a smaller version of its smart electrical panel could help.

By Jeff St. John . 25 March 2025
Utilities

North Carolina program helps low-income utility customers pay their bills

Duke Energy’s poorest customers use more power per square foot than wealthier ones. A year-old program is connecting them with bill and weatherization help.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 March 2025
Utilities

Cutting clean energy won't lower New England utility bills, advocates say

From Maine to Massachusetts, state officials are targeting clean energy programs as a way to reduce costs for ratepayers. Advocates say it's shortsighted.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 March 2025
Nuclear

Indiana utilities want ratepayers to fork out for small nuclear reactors

State legislators are advancing bills that allow utilities to charge for the process of planning SMRs, even if the plants never get built.

By Kari Lydersen . 19 March 2025
Utilities

California’s utility bill crisis is clear to all. The solution, not so much.

The state’s big utilities are earning record profits as they jack up electric rates. Can new policies ease costs without hurting reliability and climate goals?

By Jeff St. John . 12 March 2025
Utilities

Time-based rates convince Chicago-area residents to shift electricity use

ComEd is the latest major utility to adopt voluntary time-of-use rates, which can save residents — particularly EV owners — money on their energy bills.

By Kari Lydersen . 12 March 2025
Solar

Solar is not the culprit for Maine’s high utility bills, despite claims

As debate about net energy billing heats up, the numbers show the state’s solar incentive program is not to blame for rising power costs.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 March 2025