Utilities

Guides and how-tos

Electric utilities 101: A breakdown of the basics on US power providers

Utilities and their regulators can be confusing and opaque. Here's a handy introduction for people who want more clean energy in their community.

By Alison F. Takemura . 12 October 2022
Energy storage

ESS inks largest-ever US flow battery purchase with Sacramento utility

The innovative deal will supply 2 gigawatt-hours of storage over multiple years and includes provisions for workforce training in and around the California capital.

By Julian Spector . 27 September 2022
Utilities

Why does Duke Energy's carbon plan shortchange solar?

The utility wants to build new gas plants. Its critics want it to build far more solar and batteries. North Carolina regulators have until year's end to decide.

By Jeff St. John . 19 September 2022
Grid edge

Californians saved the grid again. They should be paid more for it

Smart thermostats, solar-charged batteries, EVs and other household devices can shore up the stressed grid. Why isn't the state going all in on incentives?

By Jeff St. John . 15 September 2022
Batteries

In Utah, thousands of homes feed the grid stored solar power

Utility Rocky Mountain Power teamed with sonnen to set up a virtual power plant that's thriving. Now it plans to expand the model across Utah and Idaho.

By Julian Spector . 14 September 2022
EV charging

A better way to do smart EV charging: Talk to the car

Telematics can give utilities and companies like WeaveGrid and ev.energy more ways to tap EVs to help the power grid — and make sure EV owners stay in the driver's seat.

By Jeff St. John . 6 September 2022
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