Utilities

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
Distributed energy resources

Two California bills would push utilities to get more out of their grids

The state’s three big utilities typically overbuild to meet peak demand. The legislation would order them to try virtual power plants and smarter grid tech instead.

By Jeff St. John . 30 April 2026
Heat pumps

New winter rates saved at least $37M for Massachusetts heat-pump owners

Rhode Island and New York are in the early stages of considering similar discounts for households that install the electric, clean-heating technology.

By Sarah Shemkus . 30 April 2026
Clean aluminum

America’s big new aluminum smelter is still waiting on a power deal

Global supply shocks spurred by the Iran war are bolstering the case for domestic production. But the plant still hasn’t secured its electricity supply.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 April 2026
Energy efficiency

Why are blue states scapegoating energy efficiency?

Energy-efficiency programs yield long-term benefits for utility bills and the climate. We found three reasons why Democrats are looking to cut them anyway.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 April 2026