In fire-prone California, experts push utilities to monitor the riskiest equipment on the grid

Jan 6, 2022
Power lines and equipment have sparked devastating blazes. Now companies are asked to take stock of their aging infrastructure.
Utilities have been making upgrades to their systems. Above, workers re-anchor a pole that suspends power lines outside Acton, California.
Lily Jamali/Marketplace

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

The pandemic slowed global efforts to expand access to electricity

Sep 29, 2021
According to a new IEA report, the pandemic stalled progress the most in sub-Saharan Africa.
A report shows that the pandemic hindered efforts to establish access to electricity around the globe, as governments diverted resources to fighting COVID-19.
Christopher Furlong/Getty Images

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

More people unable to pay utility bills, with colder months coming

Nov 13, 2020
Electric and gas debt is expected to be more than $24 billion by the end of this year, at least three times what it was last year.
The protections against shut-offs are lifting and disconnections have already begun.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Nobel laureate Robert Wilson says auctions pervade our everyday life

Oct 13, 2020
Many products are now sold using "package auctions" for a more efficient allocation of goods.
It's not just art sales. Auctions are instrumental in advertising sales, electricity prices, property purchases and more.
Spencer Platt/Getty Images

Stop utility shut-offs during COVID-19 crisis, NAACP Legal Defense Fund president says

"We would love to have a nationwide moratorium on all utility shut-offs, but every day, turn-offs are happening," Sherrilyn Ifill says.
Some states have worked to stop utility shut-offs, including Maryland, Kansas and Kentucky.
Martin Bernetti/AFP via Getty Images

For public good, not for profit.

Moving away from carbon, with help from Canada

Mar 3, 2020
Wind and solar resources in New England and New York fluctuate. One way to manage this uncertainty is trading with Quebec.
Several states in the northeast of America have committed to decarbonizing their electricity grids in the next 20 to 30 years.
Jeff Swensen/Getty Images

Massive power shut-off would cost businesses in California

Oct 8, 2019
As the risk of wildfire and natural disasters increase with climate change, power disruptions could become more common.
Towers carrying electrical lines in south San Francisco.
Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

Some utility companies are racing to be carbon neutral

Jul 26, 2019
Many suppliers of electrical power are facing the question of when to get to zero emissions, not if they need to get there.
A windfarm is seen in 2006 near Palm Springs, California.
Gabriel Bouys/AFP/Getty Images)