Utilities

Grid edge

EnergyHub buys Packetized Energy to get millions of thermostats and EVs to help balance the grid

Utilities need to orchestrate energy-smart devices at a massive scale. This startup's radically distributed approach could help.

By Jeff St. John . 3 March 2022
Solar

Florida bill could obliterate the state's up-and-coming solar industry

Net metering and other solar perks are on the chopping block.

By Elizabeth Djinis . 3 March 2022
Utilities

A net-zero future for gas utilities? Switching to underground thermal networks

Three pilot projects in Massachusetts will connect ground-source heat pumps to heat and cool entire neighborhoods.

By Jeff St. John . 1 March 2022
Grid edge

Virtual Peaker’s platform taps home devices to help utilities balance the grid

The scrappy Kentucky-based startup has landed $16.6M and a slew of big contracts.

By Jeff St. John . 25 February 2022
Electrification

New tools and tech to prep your electrical panel for an all-electric home

Solar, batteries, EVs and electric heat pumps can overload home electrical panels. Lots of companies are coming up with solutions.

By Jeff St. John . 22 February 2022
Batteries

People power: Hawaii utility wants to pay households to share clean energy

Hawaiian Electric and rooftop solar installers have agreed on a plan to shore up the state's grid. California, are you watching?

By Julian Spector . 14 February 2022
Long-duration energy storage

Iron-air battery maker Form has an unexpected new customer: Georgia Power

The regulated utility is only the second known customer trying out the novel technology for clean long-duration energy storage.

By Julian Spector . 10 February 2022
Grid edge

The country’s first neighborhood microgrid is coming online in Chicago

A network of solar panels, generators, batteries and more will boost resilience for Bronzeville, a historic Black neighborhood.

By Jeff St. John . 9 February 2022
Policy & regulation

The Texas energy system faces a winter reckoning — again

Texas political leaders say the state is ready to prevent another winter grid collapse. Energy experts disagree.

By Jeff St. John . 2 February 2022
Guest essay

I tried to add EV chargers to my rental property. Here's what happened

My experience as a landlord illustrates the challenge of electrifying everything — and points to ways to improve the system.

By Andrew Campbell . 31 January 2022