NYC's new gas ban highlights market growth needs for building electrification

Awareness, market development and worker training must scale up now that the largest U.S city is blocking gas hookups in future building construction. 

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 22, 2021

On the road to electric vehicles, EPA's new 40 mpg fuel efficiency rules get mixed reviews

New vehicle fuel efficiency rules finalized by the Biden administration are the most stringent in history, but some clean transportation advocates say they leave loopholes for car manufacturers to exploit.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Building Electrification

Decarbonization goals are spurring building electrication efforts across the U.S. While the use of heat pumps and other technologies is expanding, some policies are facing legal challenges.

By Utility Dive staff

US smart meter penetration hits 65%, expanding utility demand response resources: analysts

The smart meter installed base grew by more than 9% between 2017 and 2020, according to Guidehouse. But tens of millions of older meters remain on the grid.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 21, 2021

Democrats plan to press ahead with Build Back Better bill, despite Manchin opposition

The legislation threatens grid reliability and increases U.S. dependence on foreign supply chains, according to Sen. Joe Manchin.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 20, 2021

Arizona regulators approve plan to accelerate EV investment, require utility transportation plans by June

The Arizona Corporation Commission approved a comprehensive transportation electrification strategy that anticipates more than 1 million emissions-free vehicles on the state's roads by 2030.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 20, 2021

White House unveils EV charging action plan, prepares network rollout guidance for cities, states

The Joint Office of Transportation and Energy will help guide federal efforts and coordinate with state and local stakeholders for an equitable rollout of a charging network, utilizing funds from the bipartisan infrastructure legislation.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 14, 2021

How leveraging existing utility and city infrastructure is key to accelerating electric vehicle adoption

Cities around the world are joining the Cities Race to Zero, a United Nations initiative committing urban centers to halve carbon emissions by 2030 and achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. 

Dec. 13, 2021

DOD, GSA start process in federal shift to all carbon-free power by 2030

The federal government aims to begin buying emissions-free power in competitive markets next year in response to an executive order.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Feb. 4, 2022

Building electrification momentum grew in US cities in 2021

From Denver to Ithaca, New York, cities are charting new territory in their quest to slash built-environment emissions. Solutions include changing codes and adding performance standards, and even electrifying entire city building stocks.

By Maria Rachal • Dec. 8, 2021

Major US utilities plan nationwide charging network, anticipating 22M EVs by 2030

Within a decade, more than 100,000 fast-charging stations will be needed to support adoption of electric vehicles, according to the Edison Electric Institute. But some areas face significant barriers to growth, say experts.

By Robert Walton • Dec. 8, 2021

Nuclear and carbon capture companies seek $20B as DOE revives loan program

DOE loan office head Jigar Shah said he would like the office to issue at least $2 billion in loans for key emerging sectors, such as battery recycling and "green" hydrogen.

By Ethan Howland • Dec. 8, 2021

‘A long way to go’: How ConEd, Xcel and 4 other utilities are helping cities meet big EV goals

From New York City to Los Angeles, cities and utilities face cost, land and grid challenges in their efforts to electrify transportation systems. 

By Robert Walton , Emma Penrod , Jason Plautz , Scott Van Voorhis • Nov. 30, 2021

At the forefront: The biggest state clean energy legislative trends of 2021

States continue to act as laboratories of innovation, taking unique policy approaches and testing their own solutions to various clean energy policy issues, the author writes.

By Autumn Proudlove • Nov. 24, 2021

Energy-efficient infrastructure projects hold a key opportunity for contractors

For builders that incorporate sustainable systems into their projects, the $1.80-per-square-foot 179D tax deduction can quickly climb to millions of dollars.

By Dean Zerbe • Nov. 22, 2021

Buyer interest in EVs grows as automakers introduce more appealing models

Electric vehicles are in the spotlight following Biden's visit to a Detroit factory and the debut of new models at the LA Auto Show. But concerns about cost, charging and consumer acceptance remain. 

By Dan Zukowski • Nov. 19, 2021

All-electric Ford F-150 Lightning sparks interest as electric vehicles make waves

Pickup truck aficionados and first-timers alike are anticipating new electric releases from Ford, Tesla, Rivian and Chevrolet.

By Matthew Thibault • Nov. 19, 2021

Pro-union electric vehicle purchase credits could be dropped from reconciliation bill

New federal funds for electric vehicle charging won't flow until 2022, experts say, making the Build Back Better reconciliation bill even more important. But purchasing credits that favor unionized automakers remain a topic of debate.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 17, 2021

California readies $1.4B push to help reach electric vehicle charging, hydrogen refueling goals

The move comes more than a year after California Gov. Gavin Newsom issued an order that sought to phase out the sale of new gasoline-powered passenger vehicles in the state by 2035.

By Kavya Balaraman • Nov. 17, 2021

Global EV sales rise 80% in 2021 as automakers including Ford, GM commit to zero emissions: BNEF

New analysis from BloombergNEF is bullish on zero emission vehicles, concluding they will "capture a higher share of passenger vehicle sales, sooner than previously expected."

By Robert Walton • Nov. 12, 2021

Accelerated renewables deployment, electrification critical to cutting carbon emissions 50% by 2030, EPRI finds

The nation is on track to reduce emissions 27% from 2005 levels in the next eight years, but the electric and transportation sectors must accelerate progress to meet the 50% interim goal for 2030, a new study says.

By Emma Penrod • Nov. 11, 2021

New England electricity use will grow more than 1% annually amid electrification push, says ISO

The ISO New England grid will be challenged by extreme weather and a changing resource mix, according to a biennial report from the grid operator. Generators say there is increasing urgency to address issues in wholesale markets.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 5, 2021

Electric vehicle adoption poised to surge, say experts, if Congress OKs $100B in purchase incentives

EV sales in the United States could finish 2021 at 5% of new purchases, according to industry observers. That's a milestone, but experts say adoption could really take off depending on investment by the federal government.

By Robert Walton • Nov. 4, 2021

Unlocking the Transition: As Tesla, Ford and others invest billions in EVs, will the power system be ready?

The new White House zero emission vehicle target of 50% of new car sales by 2030 has a long way to go, a short time to get there, and big challenges along the way.

By Herman K. Trabish • Nov. 3, 2021

House passes Build Back Better, tees up Senate vote on funding for climate, clean energy and electric vehicles

The bill's passage comes days after President Joe Biden signed a bipartisan infrastructure bill that also boosts spending on shifting the U.S. away from fossil fuels.

By Ethan Howland • Updated Nov. 19, 2021

Maine explores rate design changes to boost storage, EV deployment

The state must deploy 400 MW of energy storage by 2030, prompting regulators to explore time-of-use rates and other structures that could encourage residential and commercial deployment.

By Jason Plautz • Oct. 28, 2021