California

Carbon-free buildings

After LA fires, could it be cheaper and faster to rebuild without gas?

The city waived its all-electric building requirement in an effort to fast-track recovery after the January fires. A new report argues that’s the wrong approach.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 May 2025
Solar

Farmers are making bank harvesting a new crop: Solar energy

In California's water-stressed Central Valley, farmers are fallowing land and installing solar, providing financial stability and saving water.

By Matt Simon . 5 May 2025
EV charging

New charging depots help SoCal’s electric trucks go further

More charging sites mean that electric trucks can extend their range and do more daily routes, boosting e-freight economics in the face of Trump administration headwinds.

By Jeff St. John . 30 April 2025
Virtual power plants

Haven to install free solar, batteries for thousands of California homes

The startup is tapping a new state funding pool to help low-income families access the benefits of clean energy and battery backup for their residences.

By Julian Spector . 21 April 2025
Solar

In California, solar generation could finally surpass gas this year

Solar produced nearly as much electricity as gas in the nation's most populous state in 2024. Could this be the year it takes the lead?

By Julian Spector . 15 April 2025
Heat pumps

SoCal regulators weigh weakened rules for emissions-free appliances

Though the new proposal would still help clean up the region’s smog-filled air, it stops short short of mandating heat pumps and banning appliances that emit NOx.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 April 2025
EV charging

How Revel is fast-tracking new EV chargers through a deal with PG&E

The startup is getting charging hubs hooked up to congested urban grids faster in California by participating in the utility’s new “flexible connection” process.

By Jeff St. John . 1 April 2025
Heat pumps

California unveils first state plan to unleash heat pumps

The new blueprint aims to help California reach its goal of deploying 6 million heat pumps by 2030, a target it is currently lagging behind.

By Alison F. Takemura . 17 March 2025
Utilities

California’s utility bill crisis is clear to all. The solution, not so much.

The state’s big utilities are earning record profits as they jack up electric rates. Can new policies ease costs without hurting reliability and climate goals?

By Jeff St. John . 12 March 2025
Solar

California's rooftop solar debate is raging again

Advocates fear more cuts to the state's battered rooftop solar incentives as regulators consider “cost-shift” arguments in their bid to lower utility bills.

By Jeff St. John . 6 March 2025