West

Clean energy

Colorado’s rural electric co-ops are determined to build clean energy

The federal government promised to pay for upgrades to keep utility rates down. As Trump casts uncertainty over funding, what happens now?

By Keaton Peters . 8 May 2025
Carbon-free buildings

After LA fires, could it be cheaper and faster to rebuild without gas?

The city waived its all-electric building requirement in an effort to fast-track recovery after the January fires. A new report argues that’s the wrong approach.

By Alison F. Takemura . 5 May 2025
Solar

Farmers are making bank harvesting a new crop: Solar energy

In California's water-stressed Central Valley, farmers are fallowing land and installing solar, providing financial stability and saving water.

By Matt Simon . 5 May 2025
Solar

Balcony solar is all the rage in Germany. Why not in the US?

A new Utah law promoting balcony solar reveals the challenges of making the clean-energy tech mesh with the U.S. grid.

By Akielly Hu . 1 May 2025
EV charging

New charging depots help SoCal’s electric trucks go further

More charging sites mean that electric trucks can extend their range and do more daily routes, boosting e-freight economics in the face of Trump administration headwinds.

By Jeff St. John . 30 April 2025
Virtual power plants

Haven to install free solar, batteries for thousands of California homes

The startup is tapping a new state funding pool to help low-income families access the benefits of clean energy and battery backup for their residences.

By Julian Spector . 21 April 2025
Solar

In California, solar generation could finally surpass gas this year

Solar produced nearly as much electricity as gas in the nation's most populous state in 2024. Could this be the year it takes the lead?

By Julian Spector . 15 April 2025
Heat pumps

SoCal regulators weigh weakened rules for emissions-free appliances

Though the new proposal would still help clean up the region’s smog-filled air, it stops short short of mandating heat pumps and banning appliances that emit NOx.

By Alison F. Takemura . 8 April 2025
Geothermal

Lennar will build 1,500 new Colorado homes with geothermal heat pumps

The homebuilder is partnering with Dandelion Energy to install the tech, which is efficient but expensive — unless it’s built into new homes from the start.

By Jeff St. John . 2 April 2025
EV charging

How Revel is fast-tracking new EV chargers through a deal with PG&E

The startup is getting charging hubs hooked up to congested urban grids faster in California by participating in the utility’s new “flexible connection” process.

By Jeff St. John . 1 April 2025