Utilities

Heat pumps

Massachusetts heat pump owners could pay less for electricity next winter

The state’s high electricity prices are a barrier to heat pump adoption, so regulators are working with utilities to reduce rates in winter when demand is lower.

By Sarah Shemkus . 16 April 2025
Utilities

Wisconsin utility’s data center–driven gas expansion meets skepticism

Some of the data centers may never even materialize, sticking ratepayers with the bill for overbuilt fossil-fuel infrastructure, advocates argue.

By Kari Lydersen . 14 April 2025
Clean energy

Maryland’s sweeping new energy legislation is a mixed bag for climate

Lawmakers took steps to limit investment in gas infrastructure and bolster solar and storage — but they also passed a bill to expedite new fossil-gas power plants.

By Akielly Hu . 10 April 2025
Fossil fuels

Trump looks to radically reshape power plant oversight — and boost coal

Trump's raft of pro-coal executive orders includes a plan to give DOE unprecedented authority to force any power plant to stay open, no matter the cost.

By Jeff St. John . 9 April 2025
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