Northeast

Energy efficiency

Massachusetts embraces backyard homes as housing and climate solution

The state needs more housing, fast. ADUs offer a path forward — and their compact, sometimes all-electric designs offer lower energy bills and carbon emissions.

By Sarah Shemkus .

4 August 2026

Overhead shot of gray house with dark gray ADU in backyard surrounded by trees in fall color — Marsha Gleason built an 800-square-foot accessory dwelling unit in her backyard in Northborough, Massachusetts, when she decided it was time to downsize. (Backyard ADUs)

Nuclear

‘It’ll take more’: CFS nets another $1B to chase nuclear fusion dream

Commonwealth Fusion Systems has now raised a total of $4B to commercialize its nuclear fusion technology. It aims to bring its pilot reactor online next year.

By Alexander C. Kaufman . 30 July 2026
Electric vehicles

Solar-powered EV carshare pilot launches in Massachusetts

The aim? To expand access to electric vehicles among lower-income residents of Massachusetts, which has big EV dreams as it tries to decarbonize.

By Sarah Shemkus . 28 July 2026
Batteries

Startup offers low-cost home batteries to Massachusetts residents

The subscription-based approach aims to make it easier and more affordable to get a backup battery in your home. And it might be catching on.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 July 2026
Utilities

Massachusetts bill would end a costly gas pipeline repair program

Utilities say the GSEP program is essential for safety and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, but critics contend it costs too much and achieves too little.

By Sarah Shemkus . 20 July 2026
Data centers

New Jersey law will let data centers pay for home energy upgrades

In a first, the state could speed up data centers’ grid connection if they bankroll energy-saving residential tech like heat pumps and batteries.

By Alison F. Takemura . 16 July 2026
Energy equity

Massachusetts lawmakers try new way to kill ‘zombie’ wood power plant

Both chambers passed bills to stymie a key revenue source for the proposed polluting plant, but so far its developer hasn't flinched.

By Sarah Shemkus . 16 July 2026
Offshore wind

Here’s how offshore wind helped New England beat record heat

The region has added dozens of turbines off the East Coast since last summer. They and other clean energy sources cut the need for oil power amid recent hot weather.

By Maria Gallucci . 14 July 2026
Batteries

Plug-in batteries kept NYC renters cool during record heat wave

A new program from startup Every Electric and utility Con Edison lets New Yorkers power their window ACs with home batteries to take stress off the grid.

By Maria Gallucci . 13 July 2026
Hydropower

Could hydropower hamper NYC’s building decarbonization law?

New York City building owners can soon buy renewable energy credits to comply with Local Law 97. Climate groups want Mayor Mamdani to limit this practice.

By Benjy Sachs, New York Focus . 7 July 2026
Electrification

In this Brooklyn warehouse, stoves are turned into batteries

Startup Electra is outfitting induction stoves with slender batteries that enable the electric appliances to be plugged into a standard outlet — and help the grid.

By Maria Gallucci . 6 July 2026