Tricks of the TradeTrump's Second TermMy EconomyI've Always Wondered ...

Loading...

0:00
0% played
Support the fact-based journalism you rely on with a donation to Marketplace today. Give Now!
Stories Tagged as

Energy efficiency

Smart thermostats and virtual power plants make the most of excess energy

by Elizabeth Trovall
Nov 8, 2024
These tools help lower peak demand as our economy is increasingly electrified.
A virtual power plant in Texas would use smart thermostats to cool homes when demand — and prices — are lower, and raise the temperature when they are higher.
Gina Ferazzi/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

Electrical grid transformers could be more efficient with different steel. Here's the challenge.

by Julie Grant
Apr 22, 2024
Last year, the Department of Energy proposed using amorphous steel. But some electricity providers, power companies and steel plants objected.
Workers from United Auto Workers Local 3303 and community members gather in Butler, Pennsylvania, to hear how the proposed Department of Energy rule could impact their plant. The DOE ultimately walked back the efficiency mandates.
Julie Grant/The Allegheny Front
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

Yesterday's efficiency standards are saving you money today

by Elizabeth Trovall
Apr 17, 2024
Household appliances like refrigerators and washing machines would use a lot more energy if not for efficiency standards.
“A typical refrigerator today uses only one-fifth as much energy as a new refrigerator sold in the 1970s," says Andrew deLaski with the Appliance Standards Awareness Project.
Mario Tama/Getty Images
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

Consumers have a host of new 'green' tax incentives to consider

by Ali Budner
Apr 6, 2023
The Inflation Reduction Act adds new tax credits for home energy efficient tech.
Though solar panel tax credits aren't new, the cost of the project is now eligible for a 30% tax credit.
Joe Raedle/Getty Images
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE
A Warmer World

Can The New American Home inspire builders to go green?

by Amy Scott
Mar 1, 2022
The house with three kitchens, a 12-nozzle shower for two and a tiled washing station for one lucky dog is designed as a "net-zero" energy home.
The New American Home 2022, unveiled at last month's International Builders' Show in Orlando, Florida, boasts several green building certifications.
Amy Scott/Marketplace
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

The thermal spy in the sky that could help combat climate change

by Stephen Beard
Sep 29, 2021
A small British company is launching satellites that can check up on your household carbon emissions.
Above, an infrared thermal imaging satellite built by Surrey Satellite Technology. A satellite of this type is under construction for Satellite Vu.
Surrey Satellite Technology
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

How easy is it to find an affordable, energy-efficient car? Depends where you live.

by Sean McHenry
Jun 23, 2021
Amy Harder at Breakthrough Energy describes her car-buying journey.
Amy Harder in her new car: a prius. "I like to joke that it's like going into the grocery store, saying you're going to find the most exciting ice cream flavor ever, and you come out with vanilla," said Harder.
Courtesy of Amy Harder
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

For public good, not for profit.

Donate

California to flip the switch in the new year and phase out incandescent light bulbs

by Reema Khrais
Dec 25, 2017
Light bulbs sold in the state will need to be three times more energy efficient than the old incandescent bulb.
ListenLISTEN
HTML EMBED:
COPY
EMBED EMBED
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE

A step backward on energy-efficient lighting

by Scott Tong
Dec 16, 2011
After industry agreed to the terms of making more efficient light bulbs widely available, Congress has back tracked on enforcing the law.
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE
Commentary

U.S. needs energy standards

by Gary Hirshberg
Nov 18, 2011
Should the government invest more in energy efficiency programs? Creating more jobs depends on that answer.
Share Now on:
SHARE
Subscribe Using:
SUBSCRIBE SUBSCRIBE