Utilities

Utilities

Mainers will vote on replacing for-profit utilities with public power

Organizers of the ballot initiative hope to improve service and speed up the shift to clean energy by taking profits out of the utility sector.

By Julian Spector . 30 October 2023
Utilities

Utilities still moving way too slow on clean energy

Despite historic wind, solar and battery subsidies from the Inflation Reduction Act, U.S. utilities remain hooked on fossil fuels.

By Jeff St. John . 16 October 2023
Hydrogen

The problem with making green hydrogen to fuel power plants

A new plant in Florida will produce green hydrogen to help power the grid. But experts warn that its approach would be wasteful and ineffective if scaled up.

By Jeff St. John . 10 October 2023
Utilities

Duke Energy will cover upfront costs of home efficiency upgrades

In what could be the largest such effort from a big investor-owned utility, the program will recoup costs over time via low on-bill payments from customers.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 4 October 2023
Utilities

These 25 utilities are united by one big goal: 80% less CO2 by 2030

Dealing with climate change means removing fossil fuels from the power grid ASAP. A diverse and growing group of utilities is leading that effort.

By Julian Spector . 28 September 2023
Long-duration energy storage

Sacramento utility rolls out its first long-duration grid batteries

The municipal utility is tapping flow batteries from ESS for on-demand clean power. The project, ESS’ biggest, will provide an early test of the tech’s potential.

By Julian Spector . 18 September 2023
Grid edge

Smart thermostats are helping Arizona's grid ride out brutal heat

Amid soaring temperatures, Arizona has seen success with utility programs that incentivize people to turn down the AC when the power grid is stressed.

By Jeff St. John . 14 September 2023
Solar

Utilities in New Hampshire unexpectedly back solar net metering

In a sharp turnaround from their previous stance, Eversource, Unitil and Liberty Utilities testified in support of keeping the state's net-metering incentive intact.

By Sarah Shemkus . 14 September 2023
Solar

The fight over California community solar: 'It's everyone vs. utilities'

Α broad and unlikely coalition has united behind a proposal that would finally let community solar flourish in California. Utilities are trying to stop it.

By Jeff St. John . 5 September 2023
Clean energy

Hawaii quit coal one year ago. Here's how it's been going

The lights stayed on, but the state's experience offers some lessons on what can go wrong in the transition to clean energy.

By Julian Spector . 31 August 2023