Utilities

Grid edge

How AI chips could make smart meters smarter

Grid tech vendor Utilidata and chipmaker Nvidia see artificial intelligence as the best way to manage a grid with more and more solar, batteries and EVs.

By Jeff St. John . 19 May 2022
Policy & regulation

Biden solar tariff probe pushes Indiana utility to burn more coal

The Commerce Department’s consideration of new tariffs for Southeast Asian solar-panel makers is stalling solar projects — and undermining the clean energy transition.

By Julian Spector . 5 May 2022
Energy efficiency

Startup Enervee has a new way to help people finance efficient appliances

Enervee's consumer-friendly online marketplace helps utilities get energy-efficient products into more homes. Its new low-interest microloan program could expand its reach.

By Jeff St. John . 5 May 2022
Policy & regulation

The US needs to build a bigger, stronger grid. FERC has a plan for that

A new federal proposal would task grid operators, states and utilities with planning a grid that can support clean energy over the long term — and fairly share the costs of building it.

By Jeff St. John . 25 April 2022
Grid edge

Home water heaters: A new ally in making grids cleaner

Smart water heaters can soak up clean power, then turn off when the grid is stressed. A new California utility pilot will test the concept at scale.

By Jeff St. John . 11 April 2022
Hydrogen

Experts say blending hydrogen into gas pipelines won't work

Utilities want to extend their infrastructure's useful life. But the evidence suggests the risks and costs far outweigh the negligible emissions-reduction impact.

By Jeff St. John . 29 March 2022
Policy & regulation

Duke Energy's solar plan questioned by North Carolina attorney general

State agencies and pro-solar groups are split over a controversial compromise on net metering. Proponents say it’s a model for rooftop solar. Opponents say it's a step backward.

By Jeff St. John . 23 March 2022
Policy & regulation

FERC Order 2222: Experts offer cheers and jeers for first round of filings

U.S. grid operators have to open up their energy markets to distributed energy. Here's what's good, bad and downright ugly in their initial plans.

By Jeff St. John . 14 March 2022
EV charging

GM and PG&E to test how EVs can power homes during blackouts

Despite the hype from automakers, vehicle-to-home charging is in its infancy. What will it take to scale?

By Jeff St. John . 8 March 2022
Grid edge

Goldman Sachs and Shell bet $75M that chain stores can boost grid resiliency

GridPoint will use the funds to expand its work beyond HVAC and lighting controls.

By Jeff St. John . 7 March 2022