Policy & regulation

Solar

Puerto Rico extended a key rooftop solar policy. Then came the lawsuit.

The U.S. territory adopted a law protecting its highly successful net-metering program through 2031. Now, a federal control board is challenging that decision.

By Maria Gallucci . 1 August 2024

Solar panels cover a building at the University of Puerto Rico–Mayagüez. (Maria Gallucci/Canary Media)

Solar

California bill would undo rules making it hard for schools to go solar

State regulators slashed solar programs that school districts rely on to cut energy bills and finance sustainability projects. A new bill could fix that.

By Jeff St. John . 21 May 2024
Solar

El auge de la energía solar en Puerto Rico está en riesgo, advierten sus defensores

La energía solar ha sido un salvavidas para el territorio estadounidense durante apagones. Ahora una entidad gubernamental quiere deshacer la ley que protege un programa solar clave.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 May 2024
Solar

Puerto Rico’s rooftop solar boom is at risk, advocates warn

Rooftop solar has been a lifeline for the U.S. territory during blackouts. Now a government entity wants to undo a law protecting a key solar program.

By Maria Gallucci . 20 May 2024
Transmission

Landmark transmission reform could dramatically speed US energy transition

FERC released a long-awaited rule meant to fix the sluggish power line buildout. Advocates say it’s a win for clean energy, consumers — and grid reliability.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2024
Utilities

Can California's new fixed rates really help the energy transition?

Amid rising electricity rates, regulators add flat charges and drop power prices to try to boost EVs and heat pumps. But underlying utility costs are a problem.

By Jeff St. John . 13 May 2024
Clean energy

Vermont is on the cusp of mandating 100% clean electricity by 2035

The state’s Senate approved the measure this week, putting Vermont on track to be among the first states to fully decarbonize its power grid.

By Akielly Hu . 10 May 2024
Transmission

Looming power grid rules could make or break the US energy transition

Federal regulators are split on how to spread grid costs among states with dramatically different clean energy policies. Next week, they’ll reveal their decision.

By Jeff St. John . 7 May 2024
Policy & regulation

New clean power rules force utilities to take clean energy seriously

EPA’s "clean up or close" rules for coal and gas plants face strong pushback. But backers say clean power, batteries, and grid tech are ready to take over.

By Jeff St. John . 25 April 2024
Solar

Major US solar manufacturers call for strict new solar-panel tariffs

First Solar, Qcells, and other domestic solar-panel makers are petitioning the Commerce Department for new tariffs on panels imported from Southeast Asia.

By Eric Wesoff . 24 April 2024
Land use

How the Biden admin is trying to boost renewables on public land

The Bureau of Land Management is making it easier to develop clean energy projects in the West, while trying to balance ecosystem protection — a tricky task.

By Eric Wesoff . 24 April 2024