Southeast

Solar

Solar to overtake coal on Texas grid for the first time ever this year

The Trump administration likes to cast renewables as a socialist scam, but solar has soared in the competitive markets of the Lone Star State.

By Julian Spector . 18 May 2026
Data centers

Elon Musk’s xAI adds more unpermitted gas generators for data centers

Mississippi residents want relief from the air and noise pollution caused by 46 'temporary' generators — and the 41 permanent ones the state just approved.

By Alex Rozier . 15 May 2026
Solar

North Carolina groups fight regulator’s order to cancel solar for 2026

The state’s top utility regulator issued a surprise directive to halt Duke Energy’s solar investments for the year. Industry advocates are petitioning to revoke it.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 14 May 2026
Emissions reduction

Can a carbon price lower power bills? Virginia is betting yes.

With power demand from data centers skyrocketing, the state is rejoining a regional climate initiative.

By Jake Bittle . 5 May 2026
Batteries

For cheaper power, Virginia’s local utilities build small grid batteries

Rural co-ops and a city utility will save big with a collection of 5-MW batteries, which are easier to site and faster to get up and running than megaprojects.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 4 May 2026
Green steel

US Steel to build $2B lower-carbon iron plant in Arkansas

The new "direct reduced iron" facility at Big River Steel is part of parent company Nippon Steel’s larger $11 billion investment in U.S. operations.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 April 2026
Clean aluminum

America’s big new aluminum smelter is still waiting on a power deal

Global supply shocks spurred by the Iran war are bolstering the case for domestic production. But the plant still hasn’t secured its electricity supply.

By Maria Gallucci . 30 April 2026
Solar

Virginia’s new law blocks counties from banning solar

Two-thirds of the state’s counties ban or heavily limit solar. Now, those blanket restrictions are going away, though counties can still bar individual projects.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 28 April 2026
Utilities

Duke Energy’s proactive grid upgrades under fire from electric co-ops

In North Carolina, the utility has a unique new approach to improve its grid and add solar, but co-ops are complaining to FERC about the cost.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 24 April 2026
Geothermal

Tiny North Carolina town takes a big step toward geothermal energy

Seed funding will help the rural town of Enfield in its quest to heat and cool homes without fossil fuels while drastically lowering residents’ energy costs.

By Elizabeth Ouzts . 20 April 2026