Utilities

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
Utilities

Supreme Court won’t hear appeal in Ohio utility bribery case

It’s the end of the line for the only two people serving prison time related to the HB 6 scandal, which cost utility customers big and stymied clean energy.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 27 April 2026
Utilities

Duke Energy’s proactive grid upgrades under fire from electric co-ops

In North Carolina, the utility has a unique new approach to improve its grid and add solar, but co-ops are complaining to FERC about the cost.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 24 April 2026
Virtual power plants

As utility costs rise, can ‘background’ smart thermostats offer relief?

Millions of smart thermostats auto-adjust temperatures to cut power bills or prioritize clean energy. Some utilities are mulling how that tech can help the grid, too.

By Jeff St. John . 20 April 2026
Data centers

Georgia Power will now let data centers bring their own clean energy

Large customers served by Georgia Power will soon be able to secure new solar and battery projects. But will that help reduce reliance on new gas plants?

By Jeff St. John . 15 April 2026
Geothermal

Vermont’s first neighborhood geothermal project prepares to break ground

The gas utility and affordable housing developers building the system are pressing on with their plan despite the Trump administration’s funding clawbacks.

By Sarah Shemkus . 14 April 2026
Utilities

What to expect as Ohio utility corruption trial heads for a do-over

The trial for two former FirstEnergy execs on criminal charges linked to the HB 6 scandal ended with a hung jury. A retrial is scheduled for September.

By Kathiann M. Kowalski . 14 April 2026
Transmission

How a community solar breakthrough took shape in Illinois

Utilities, solar companies, and environmentalists worked together to fast-track flexible interconnection and build lots of community solar in record time.

By Jeff St. John . 6 April 2026
Utilities

What if Duke Energy shared the burden of fuel costs with its customers?

If the utility had to pay a fraction of rising fuel prices, it might rethink its gas buildout and save North Carolinians tens of millions of dollars, a study finds.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 April 2026
Solar

Alabama Power can keep charging steep rooftop solar fee, judge rules

The standby charge, among the highest in the nation, is “chilling” solar in the sunny state, critics say. Alabama Power says the fee is needed to maintain the grid.

By Dennis Pillion . 1 April 2026