Northeast

ENN

Who decides where we get electricity and how much we pay? Mostly White, politically connected men

A pair of recent studies show that public utility commissions lack diversity, and that appointees are more likely to have utility or fossil fuel connections than environmental backgrounds.

By Lisa Prevost . 5 July 2023
ENN

Neighbor dispute risks souring a Connecticut community on solar energy

An isolated noise issue at a solar farm is already being leveraged by opponents, despite promises by the site's owner to address it.

By Lisa Prevost . 16 June 2023
ENN

Commentary: New York’s race to clean its grid starts at the home

Residential solar and storage will be a crucial part of our efforts to lead in clean electricity, writes guest commentator Karl Rábago.

By Karl Rábago . 31 May 2023
ENN

Zoning norms slow efforts to cut transportation pollution in Connecticut

Land use is the single biggest factor in determining how much people drive. As the state tries to lower vehicle miles traveled, officials are seeking legislation to encourage more local governments to allow denser development.

By Lisa Prevost . 25 May 2023
ENN

Heating and cooking aren’t the only sources of building emissions

In Massachusetts and elsewhere, advocates and policymakers are increasingly turning their attention to “embodied carbon” contained in building materials.

By Sarah Shemkus . 23 May 2023
ENN

This Vermont gas utility is getting into the electric heat pump business

The state’s climate mandates are pushing Vermont Gas Systems to adapt and diversify its business, ramping up energy efficiency, renewable natural gas, and now heat pump offerings.

By Lisa Prevost . 15 May 2023
ENN

Insulation upgrades, limited aid hold Mainers back from heat pumps

As fossil fuel costs remain high, the pressure is on for advocates and service providers to expand access to heat pumps and energy efficient home improvements.

By Annie Ropeik . 1 May 2023
ENN

Connecticut regulators seek more authority to move the needle on climate goals

Proposed legislation would empower the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection to write new rules to hit the state’s decarbonization goals.

By Lisa Prevost . 28 April 2023
ENN

Massachusetts prepares to launch new electric vehicle rebates early this summer

State officials have blamed funding and logistical obstacles for delaying the rollout of the new incentives that were created as part of a 2022 state climate law.

By Sarah Shemkus . 26 April 2023
ENN

New Hampshire bill would offer new path for utilities to procure electricity

Gov. Chris Sununu’s administration is supporting legislation that would let utilities buy power directly from generators instead of relying on regional wholesale markets, a change that advocates think could help renewables compete in the state.

By Lisa Prevost . 13 April 2023