Utilities

EV charging

Installing EV charging at big-box stores is not as easy as it looks

A developer building chargers at home-improvement stores discusses the promise — and pitfalls — of siting EV infrastructure in major retailers' parking lots.

By Kari Lydersen . 28 May 2026
Energy storage

The hidden innovation behind Antora’s massive new heat battery

The startup is turning on a 200-battery project in South Dakota — and pioneering an electric utility rate that could help boost thermal energy storage more widely.

By Maria Gallucci . 27 May 2026
Solar

This AI tool helps community solar developers connect to the grid sooner

Startup MeanderX maps bottlenecks on distribution lines in Illinois and seven other states, so projects can avoid lengthy delays.

By Kari Lydersen . 26 May 2026
Utilities

NextEra Energy wants to buy its way into Data Center Alley

The utility’s proposed merger with Dominion Energy would connect it with data center-rich Virginia. Consumer and clean energy advocates are wary.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 22 May 2026
Utilities

Ohio utilities report subpar grid reliability as they seek a lower bar

FirstEnergy and Duke say factors like worsening extreme weather led to missed 2025 targets. The state will soon decide whether to accept more and longer outages.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 18 May 2026
Solar

North Carolina groups fight regulator’s order to cancel solar for 2026

The state’s top utility regulator issued a surprise directive to halt Duke Energy’s solar investments for the year. Industry advocates are petitioning to revoke it.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 14 May 2026
Solar

Mid-sized solar could help bring down electricity bills in Pennsylvania

Distributed solar developers say they could build gigawatts of projects to help ease the state's power crunch — if lawmakers and regulators set clear rules.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2026
Solar

Maine’s community solar boom is going bust

Maine had more community solar capacity than any other state in 2025. But a new law enacted in the name of affordability has brought development to a standstill.

By Sarah Shemkus . 8 May 2026
Batteries

For cheaper power, Virginia’s local utilities build small grid batteries

Rural co-ops and a city utility will save big with a collection of 5-MW batteries, which are easier to site and faster to get up and running than megaprojects.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 4 May 2026
Hydrogen

SoCalGas customers spared paying $266M for hydrogen pipeline project

Regulators nixed the utility's funding plans for a massive, controversial hydrogen pipeline. Enviro groups say there are better ways to decarbonize heavy industry.

By Jeff St. John . 1 May 2026