Utilities

Fossil fuels

Hawaii just got rid of coal power for good

Next up: finding new roles for coal plant workers — and keeping the lights on during a global energy crisis.

By Julian Spector . 1 September 2022
Emissions reduction

Open-sourcing the grid emissions data needed for 24/7 clean energy

Startup Singularity is sharing data on hourly U.S. power-grid emissions. It wants energy markets, governments and companies like Google and Microsoft to use it — and to disclose their own data too.

By Jeff St. John . 30 August 2022
Transmission

New software can find more room for clean energy on transmission grids

Grid-enhancing technologies include high-tech software that can uncover more interconnection options for new wind and solar power projects.

By Jeff St. John . 23 August 2022
EV charging

New California rule will cut costs of home EV charging

A long-awaited policy change eliminates the need for a second meter to measure EV electricity use. That opens up options for better rates and vehicle-to-everything charging.

By Jeff St. John . 22 August 2022
Solar

Hawaii's biggest solar+battery plant comes online — just in time

Despite supply-chain hurdles and other hiccups, developer Clearway Energy was able to get the solar-and-storage facility running before Oahu's last coal plant closes.

By Julian Spector . 15 August 2022
Nuclear

Should California keep its last nuclear plant open? The battle is back

Is the Diablo Canyon nuclear plant vital to a clean and reliable grid, or a costly threat to environmental and energy goals? State lawmakers have less than three weeks to decide.

By Jeff St. John . 15 August 2022
Batteries

This utility keeps customers cool during heat waves while saving them money

Vermont’s Green Mountain Power helped thousands of customers get home batteries. Now it taps them at peak times to prevent high costs and grid outages.

By Julian Spector . 11 August 2022
Transmission

How to move more power with the transmission lines we already have

Grid-enhancing technologies enable us to get more out of existing power lines. Here’s an in-depth look at one such technology: dynamic line rating.

By Jeff St. John . 29 July 2022
Utilities

Utilities are planning to shift to clean energy — just not too quickly

CEO of electricity research group EPRI says U.S. utilities are poised to go big on solar, wind and batteries — but they aren't ready to give up their gas and coal plants just yet.

By Julian Spector . 22 July 2022
Grid edge

Smart electric panels in homes could prevent overtaxing the grid

As more homes are electrified, utility circuits could face major upgrade costs. Or smart panels and controls could help save the day, a new study says.

By Jeff St. John . 18 July 2022