Utilities

Maine utilities eye move to time-varying electric rates to boost electrification

“Time-of-use” rates that encourage customers to cut energy use at times of peak demand could help the state meet its electrification goals without straining the grid.

By Annie Ropeik . 14 November 2023

Pedestrians walk on a residential street that gently slopes uphill as the sun sets — Pleasant St. in Portland, Maine (Gabe Souza/Portland Press Herald/Getty Images)

Carbon capture

EPA rules may push power plants to capture carbon. Is the tech ready?

The Biden administration is poised to propose new regulations for coal- and gas-burning power plants, which could breathe new life into a long-beleaguered technology.

By Maria Gallucci . 28 April 2023
Clean fleets

EV trucks and buses need costly grid updates. Should utilities pay?

A new study says ratepayers will come out ahead if utilities take on the upfront costs to build much-needed charging infrastructure for electric fleets.

By Jeff St. John . 20 April 2023
Solar

Pioneering project helps renters cash in on solar savings

By cleverly stacking an array of incentives and credits, two nonprofits are helping Minneapolis apartment dwellers slash their power bills by up to one-third.

By Frank Jossi . 14 April 2023
EV charging

NYC's grid is stressed. A 'smart' EV charging program aims to help

Con Ed’s revamped SmartCharge program will tap direct-to-EV communications to track and pay drivers for charging at times that reduce grid strain.

By Jeff St. John . 5 April 2023
Fun stuff

Canary Live Boston: Watch the event on Thurs., April 6 at 6:00 PM ET

We're broadcasting our event live from Greentown Labs in Somerville, Mass. this week.

By Nicholas Rinaldi . 5 April 2023
Hydrogen

Test shows hydrogen blending slightly reduces gas power plant emissions

The hydrogen revolution isn’t here quite yet — but now we know what happens when a certain type of gas plant burns a small amount of hydrogen.

By Julian Spector . 24 March 2023
Fossil fuels

New York must chart new course for gas utilities to hit climate targets

They can’t keep spending on pipelines, and alternative fuels can't scale. But electric heat and thermal networks could save utility business models and jobs.

By Jeff St. John . 20 March 2023
Utilities

This software factors climate risk and energy equity into grid planning

Utilities need to know how their equipment upgrades will impact vulnerable communities. UrbanFootprint’s platform provides the necessary data.

By Jeff St. John . 23 February 2023
Batteries

Nomad's mobile batteries deliver utility-scale power where it's needed

The company sources lithium-ion batteries from parent Kore Power, then stacks them in reinforced truck beds for portable grid storage.

By Julian Spector . 16 February 2023
Geothermal

Utilities may use their pipes for geothermal heat instead of gas

Several utilities in the Northeast already have pilots underway to explore a switch to networked geothermal. Will it help them ride out the energy transition?

By Lisa Prevost . 13 February 2023