Southeast

Energy markets

Why states are threatening to leave PJM — and why they probably won’t

The grid operator’s high power prices and long interconnection queue have Democratic and Republican governors eyeing an exit, but analysts warn it could backfire.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 26 September 2025
Energy efficiency

North Carolina funds repairs so Helene-hit homes can get energy upgrades

Hurricane Helene struck a year ago, leaving many houses too damaged to access free retrofits that cut families’ energy bills. The state aims to help.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 September 2025
Solar

Solar and batteries had a record-setting, grid-stabilizing summer in Texas

Solar has set 17 power generation records in Texas so far this year, shoring up the grid alongside batteries as some gas plant developers step back.

By Kathryn Krawczyk . 19 September 2025
Utilities

As data centers go up, North Carolina weighs how to handle energy demand

Duke wants to build gas plants, but clean energy advocates argue that solar, battery storage, and demand response could help alleviate growing strain on the grid.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 16 September 2025
Energy efficiency

North Carolina families see lower bills with new Duke Energy program

The utility refers low-income customers to groups like Energy Savers Network, which provides free efficiency retrofits for long-term savings.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 9 September 2025
Fossil fuels

Texas created a $7.2B fund for gas plants. Hardly any are being built.

Even with a financial leg-up from taxpayers, builders are backing off gas plans, worried about profitability or that they won’t be able to get a hold of equipment.

By Paul Cobler . 2 September 2025
Emissions reduction

North Carolina ditched its 2030 climate goal. Now what?

Rising power demand and the low cost of renewables may give wind and solar a fighting chance even though Duke Energy no longer has to cut emissions in the near term.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 26 August 2025
EV charging

Cruising Virginia countryside in an electric vehicle is a lot easier now

As EV tourism takes hold in rural towns, historic Middleburg looks to attract eco-minded visitors with a high-speed electric-vehicle charger.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 19 August 2025
Utilities

North Carolina approves Duke Energy plan to let customers access their data

The new program, long in the making, has support from clean energy groups, but critics worry about fees and unattainable cybersecurity standards.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 1 August 2025
Clean energy jobs

Energy bill could cost North Carolina billions in lost investments and jobs

As lawmakers decide whether to override the governor’s veto of SB 266, new research estimates the massive economic toll of the legislation.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 25 July 2025