Grid operators struggle with volume of connection requests from renewables

Feb 7, 2022
The number of proposed solar projects has spiked as costs have declined, but the transmission system can't accommodate them.
Energy experts say grids are not prepared for the tidal wave of renewable energy coming their way.
Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images

What we get wrong about the energy grid

Dec 28, 2021
We should focus on changing demand for electric power when planning for the future.
During a period of extreme cold in February, people took shelter at a store in Houston that was transformed into a warming station. The drop in temperature caused a widespread and prolonged power outage.
Photo by Go Nakamura/Getty Images

What's behind China's power cuts?

Oct 5, 2021
China has more than enough coal underground to service the country's needs.
There are more than 50 cap and trade programs across the world to address carbon emissions.
Kevin Frayer via Getty Images

A California fix for rolling blackouts irks neighbors

Jul 22, 2021
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission recently approved a California proposal that prioritizes its own power needs in a crunch.
Power lines running through Paradise, California on May 22, 2021.
Lily Jamali

U.S. electrical grids are not prepared for climate change

Jul 1, 2021
Experts say utilities have been forced to play catch-up when extreme weather hits.
The sun sets behind power lines in Los Angeles.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Texas' largest power co-op files for bankruptcy

Mar 1, 2021
Brazos Electric's filing could be an ominous sign as other Texas power providers assess the damage after the extreme weather.
High voltage transmission towers on Feb. 21 in Houston.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Texas' ag industry faces hundreds of millions in losses after deep freeze

Feb 26, 2021
And those hits ripple through to grocery stores, where there are still some limits on buying things like milk and eggs.
Dairy farmers had to dump 14 million gallons of milk because they couldn’t get it to processing plants. A lot of poultry farmers lost power for days and couldn’t get more fuel for their generators.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Texas governor pledges to "mandate and fund" winterization of power grid

Feb 25, 2021
While the mandate deals with the power problem, gas and water are not addressed.
The state needs to be prepared to prevent extreme cold from paralyzing the electric power system.
Matthew Busch/AFP via Getty Images

What will it take for California to meet its new electric vehicle goals?

Sep 24, 2020
One expert says the state may need to improve its electric grid, while manufacturers bring down prices and pick up battery production.
Tesla car sits parked at a Tesla Supercharger. The Biden administration's new standards for EV chargers announced this week could set the stage for more business opportunities.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

PG&E blackouts have Californians scrambling for generators

Oct 28, 2019
The planned outages by California’s PG&E left hundreds of thousands without power this fall, and at least one company is benefiting.
A restaurant in Sonoma, California during the planned power outage by Pacific Gas & Electric in early October, 2019.
Brittany Hosea-Small/AFP via Getty Images