Northeast

ENN

Solar installers and fire officials look for compromise on Massachusetts fire code

Firefighters need space to navigate rooftops, but solar installers say they were caught off guard by new restrictions.

By Sarah Shemkus . 27 November 2023
ENN

Microgrid model spreads in Massachusetts as cities look to lessen costs, outages

Chelsea and Boston’s Chinatown neighborhood are moving forward with microgrid projects that supporters hope will be case studies for others to follow.

By Sarah Shemkus . 21 November 2023
ENN

Commentary: Despite Maine defeat, public power still on the agenda in the U.S.

Maine recently voted down a ballot initiative to buy out the state’s utilities, but often paths to larger movements are paved with small failures.

By Holly Caggiano . 20 November 2023
ENN

Maine hopes IRA money will get heat pumps to more people, especially in multifamily housing

States are now crafting applications for billions in federal funding to create or expand electrification and energy efficiency rebate programs, trying to balance quality and quantity of incentives while reaching new demographics.

By Annie Ropeik . 16 November 2023
ENN

Maine eyes time-of-use rates to encourage cheaper home electrification

Electric vehicles and heat pumps are key climate solutions in the state, but could drive costs and strain the grid without new rates to manage demand.

By Annie Ropeik . 8 November 2023
ENN

Advocates fear N.H. clean energy proposal would pit nuclear against solar, wind

If not designed carefully, critics say a clean energy standard that includes nuclear power could undercut the market for renewable energy credits.

By Sarah Shemkus . 2 November 2023
ENN

Big federal dollars for small state projects aim to get more cars off the roads

The Carbon Reduction Program will fund states’ strategies for “transportation alternatives," such as cycling trails, electric street sweepers and EV charging stations.

By Erika Bolstad . 20 October 2023
ENN

Massachusetts seeks to streamline approvals for community choice aggregation

Nineteen communities are waiting for state public utilities regulators to rule on proposed plans or updates. Some have been waiting for more than two years.

By Sarah Shemkus . 4 October 2023
ENN

Inside the rough-and-tumble race to clean up America’s abandoned oil wells

The federal government has pledged billions to plug thousands of abandoned oil wells around the country, but many hurdles remain.

By Will Peischel . 29 September 2023
ENN

What do Orsted’s financial problems mean for Rhode Island’s stake in offshore wind?

An earnings preview and rating agency downgrade cast doubt on the Danish offshore wind developer’s long range plans.

By Nancy Lavin . 11 September 2023