Energy & Utilities

Connecticut falls behind state's GHG goals: 'We told you so,' says Acadia Center

Despite the rise in emissions, the electric sector "shows encouraging results," the Department of Energy and Environmental Protection said. Proposed new gas projects are a step in the wrong direction, though, advocates warn.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 14, 2021

Utility shutoff moratoriums protected many consumers earlier in the pandemic. What happens now?

Cities and states are looking at how to help residents likely to lose power once utility shutoff moratoriums end. 

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 08, 2021

Los Angeles approves 100% clean energy by 2035, moving original target up by a decade

The LA100 plan would see the city replace its natural gas electricity generation with wind, solar and battery storage, while also improving energy efficiency and transmission.

By Jason Plautz • Sept. 02, 2021

Residential electric panels are a nearly $100B 'roadblock' to full electrification, report finds

Up to 48 million U.S. homes may require electric panel upgrades to charge electric vehicles or switch away from appliances now running on natural gas or other fossil fuels, according to research from Pecan Street.

By Robert Walton • Sept. 01, 2021

Tesla made electric trucks 'cool.' Now fleets face financial hurdles.

Total cost of ownership for electric trucks is more attractive than diesel, a Navistar executive said at ACT Expo. But issues around charging are significant.

By Jim Stinson • Aug. 31, 2021

WRI lays out options for large energy users to decarbonize beyond renewables procurement

The study highlights Des Moines, Iowa, the first U.S. city to commit to a 24/7 carbon free electricity target by 2035, as an example for innovation.

By Iulia Gheorghiu • Aug. 24, 2021

Solar could be 40% of US generation by 2035 but requires more investment, White House finds

Solar industry groups greeted the recent Biden administration report on the potential growth of the solar industry with enthusiasm, saying they hope tax reforms to improve incentives are in the works.

By Emma Penrod • Aug. 23, 2021

Arizona 2050 clean energy mandate could increase utility bills nearly $60/month, study finds

A state mandate to achieve 100% clean energy by 2050 could increase utility bills, but clean energy advocates warn the projection should be taken "with a grain of salt," as new technologies could help lower costs.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 20, 2021

As Senate passes infrastructure bill, Democrats eye opportunity for more energy spending

Sustainability efforts could be aided by the $3.5 trillion budget resolution, approved by the Senate last week, which contains more tax credits and incentives for renewable energy, including a clean electricity payment program.

By Jason Plautz • Aug. 16, 2021

California takes a first-of-its-kind step on building decarbonization

Following many cities' actions to rein in building emissions, the state energy commission voted to adopt an updated building energy code that makes electric heat pumps the baseline technology for space and water heating.

By Maria Rachal • Aug. 12, 2021

'An enormous lift': Biden's goal of 50% EV sales by 2030 will test supply chains, utilities, experts say

Biden's lofty goal will run in tandem to investments in EV infrastructure. But other supports, like to manufacturing supply chains, are needed as well.

By Robert Walton • Aug. 11, 2021

120 EV charging stations to be installed at California apartment complexes through state partnership

Backed by state funding, the initiative with platform EVmatch could entice lower-income renters to purchase an electric vehicle.

By Danielle McLean • Aug. 06, 2021

Kansas City streetlight-mounted EV charger pilot aims for equity, accessibility

Most EV charging happens at home overnight, but not for the many people without garages. The Missouri city's federally funded charging project meets residents where they are and is helping to guide others through uncharted territory.

By Katie Pyzyk • Aug. 04, 2021

DOE says new building codes to cut energy costs by $138B, but EV backers see failure to advance charging

A requirement that new homes be wired for electric vehicle charging was not included in the final version.

By Robert Walton • July 30, 2021

Senate votes to advance bill with $550B for aging US infrastructure

Far smaller than Biden's American Jobs Plan, the bipartisan bill will next enter a phase of debates and amendments.

By Zachary Phillips • UPDATED: July 29, 2021 at 4:08 p.m.

Indiana DOT, Purdue developing wireless EV charging for highways

The aim is to create the first paved highway segment that contains contactless, wireless technologies to charge electric vehicles as they drive over it.

By Katie Pyzyk • UPDATED: July 29, 2021 at 4:16 p.m.

'We have got to do something': Cities behind on climate goals as extreme weather worsens

Funding and staffing shortfalls and a lack of buy-in from city workers are impeding progress, a Bloomberg Associates report states. It calls for savvy messaging and regional collaborations.

By Danielle McLean • July 27, 2021

Washington, DC-area utility outlines plan to meet city climate goals

The clean energy approach would include focuses on electric vehicles, building decarbonization and a variety of grid modernization technologies. The nation's capital is aiming for 100% renewable energy by 2032.

By Robert Walton • July 22, 2021

Austin, Texas, neighborhood offers test bed for Tesla energy products

A planned community with Tesla's Solar Roof and Powerwalls could offer new insights for the company's energy future, following CEO Elon Musk recently admitting to "significant mistakes" with Tesla's solar arm.

By Jason Plautz • July 21, 2021

California approves expedited pathway for near-term utility EV investments

The decision will help California move toward its goal of deploying five million zero-emission vehicles by 2030, along with 250,000 light-duty or passenger vehicle chargers by 2025.

By Kavya Balaraman • July 16, 2021

Challenge to Berkeley gas regulation dismissed, a win for cities in carbon emissions fight

A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit last week that challenged the city's restrictions on natural gas in new low-rise residential buildings, a major boost for local governments looking to follow suit.

By Chris Teale • July 16, 2021

Southern California Edison plans for 38,000 EV charging stations in next five years

The utility's $436 million program, the largest initiative of its kind by any investor-owned utility, will include an "added emphasis" on installing electric vehicle chargers in multifamily apartment and condo buildings. 

By Scott Van Voorhis • July 15, 2021

New England and the South shoulder highest US energy costs, survey finds

Connecticut, Massachusetts and Georgia face some of the highest energy costs, according to WalletHub, potentially accelerating a shift towards solar and other distributed resource solutions.

By Scott Van Voorhis • July 09, 2021

House passes broad bipartisan measure to help states fund energy cybersecurity efforts

Representatives voted in support of a program that will help states secure energy infrastructure against cyber and physical threats, setting up financial incentives for private sector assistance. 

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2021

White House agrees to bipartisan infrastructure deal

"The largest investment in EV infrastructure in history," includes plans to build a national network of electric vehicle chargers along highways and in rural communities.

By Jason Plautz • June 25, 2021