DOE to release $2B in EV manufacturing grants

The grant program will prioritize retooling plants that face closure and help automakers tackle the cost of EV production.

By Megan Ruggles • July 5, 2023

On EV policy, states are making ‘incremental progress, not transformational’: ACEEE

Most state transportation policies ”scored poorly on equity metrics,” according to a new assessment by the American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy.

By Robert Walton • June 29, 2023

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 Stories from Utility Dive

Power demand is rising amid dramatic shifts in federal energy policy, but technology and markets continue to push the grid toward cleaner, more distributed resources. 

By Utility Dive staff

Local solar and storage are essential to the electrification movement

The key to lowering the cost of electrification is energy management and demand response, starting with local solar and storage.

By Robin Dutta • June 28, 2023

US will need to triple building retrofit rate to meet decarbonization targets: report

While electrifying building systems requires a large capital investment, it is more effective than incremental, small energy conservation retrofits, real estate firm JLL said in the report.

By Joe Burns • June 27, 2023

Federal agency awards $1.7B for cleaner transit buses, bus facilities

The grants will support the purchase of 1,700 transit buses, about half of which will be zero-emission vehicles. 

By Dan Zukowski • June 27, 2023

Ford, SK On secure loan commitment of up to $9.2B from DOE for construction of 3 battery plants

The loan will help finance construction of the companies’ three joint venture battery plants. 

By Megan Ruggles • June 23, 2023

To improve multifamily housing energy efficiency and resiliency, HUD offers $4.8B for retrofits

Implementing the Green and Resilient Retrofit Program “will provide much-needed funding to reduce water and utility costs,” HUD Assistant Secretary for Housing Julia Gordon said.

By Mary Salmonsen • June 23, 2023

FlexCharging rolls out managed EV charging solution designed for smaller utilities

Aimed at cooperative energy providers, FlexCharging’s managed charging platform eases customer sign-ups and uses a virtual submeter to keep costs down, said CEO Brian Grunkemeyer.

By Robert Walton • June 21, 2023

Four non-transmission solutions for clean energy with new power lines in the permitting ‘Valley of Death’

Smart technologies, storage, overbuilding and distributed resources can move the energy transition ahead until workable reforms bring new transmission online, stakeholders agreed

By Herman K. Trabish • June 21, 2023

Ford and GM execs have lingering questions about the Inflation Reduction Act, EV tax credits

Automakers are anxiously awaiting further federal guidance on how to ensure their vehicles qualify for EV consumer tax credits.

By Kate Magill • June 16, 2023

6 lessons from transportation electrification’s past to guide its future

We need to prepare for a future that looks very different from the present while learning from prior experiences deploying charging infrastructure and early utility efforts to design and implement customer EV programs.

By Bryan Jungers • June 15, 2023

New York launches $10M electrification, efficiency program for commercial, industrial projects

The incentives target businesses working to cut energy use and emissions on an “accelerated timeline,” the state said.

By Robert Walton • June 14, 2023

California could see far lower costs to prepare grid for electrification than prior estimate, state research finds

Preliminary research from California’s Public Advocates Office estimates the costs at up to $20 billion by 2035, compared with $50 billion projected by Kevala, in part because of different forecasts on EV charging. 

By Kavya Balaraman • June 13, 2023

DOE announces $192M for battery recycling, says lithium storage market could grow tenfold by 2030

Rapid growth in the lithium battery market is being driven by growing adoption of electric vehicles and the need for stationary storage, the U.S. Department of Energy said.

By Robert Walton • June 13, 2023

As states differ on the benefits of Bitcoin, is there a solution to its climate and power-system impacts?

Bitcoin miners’ 24/7 electricity need and financial focus raise red flags for climate activists about increased fossil fuel use, but some miners are starting to see a new solution in clean energy.

By Herman K. Trabish • June 8, 2023

US residential heat pump sales pass gas furnaces for first time as interest in efficiency tech surges: IEA

The International Energy Agency also said in its report, Energy Efficiency - The Decade for Action, that electric vehicle sales in the U.S. rose 55% last year.

By Robert Walton • June 7, 2023

As states vie for billions in EV investments, how can they ensure the transition is equitable for all?

Policymakers should consider providing robust transition support for longtime autoworkers by creating a transition support fund and rapid response team to address job losses and supporting retraining opportunities.

By Devashree Saha and Dan Lashof • June 7, 2023

EPA memo clarifies handling and permitting requirements for end-of-life lithium-ion batteries

Lithium-ion battery disposal should be managed as hazardous waste as more of the batteries are produced and more companies expand to manage the end-of-life material, EPA said.

By Megan Quinn • June 6, 2023

Colorado sets building electrification goals for Xcel Energy, phases out subsidies for some gas appliances

Xcel said it plans to propose a demand-side management and beneficial electrification plan later this year to meet the new targets.

By Robert Walton • June 1, 2023

Full industrial electrification could more than double US power demand. Here’s how renewables can meet it.

Accelerating industrial electrification requires policymakers to ensure increased electricity demand is supplied with new least-cost clean generation in rural areas with high-quality renewable resources.

By Eric Gimon • May 31, 2023

$400M for low-emission school buses available from EPA grant program

The zero- and low-emission school bus funding has a “particular focus on reducing air pollution in disadvantaged communities overburdened by dirty air," said David Cash, EPA New England regional administrator.

By Stephen Singer • May 30, 2023

With $200M for electric vehicles, Minnesota aims to boost ownership, charging infrastructure

To increase EV adoption, the new state budget provides consumer rebates, auto dealer grants and more funds for the statewide EV charging network.

By Dan Zukowski • May 26, 2023

Biden’s new EV mandate needs private sector participation to succeed

Private businesses will always be at a competitive disadvantage so long as utilities remain free to levy demand charges and box out their competitors.

By Jamey French • May 26, 2023

Xcel Energy plan to build 460 EV fast-charging stations in Colorado angers retailers, other charging proponents

The utility’s plan includes a “rental option” for battery energy storage systems to pair with third-party-owned fast-charging stations.

By Robert Walton • May 25, 2023

PG&E, BMW expand managed charging partnership to focus on V2X technologies

Pacific Gas and Electric wants to use electric vehicles in virtual power plants to help meet peak demand using only renewable energy.

By Robert Walton • May 24, 2023