Inside Climate News reports that nine Northeastern states have unveiled the Northeast States Collaborative on Interregional Transmission plan, which aims to identify, advance, and finance interregional transmission projects that prioritize public interest goals over market profits. United's Jon Gordon noted that the plan reflects the states' growing frustration with regional grid operators over stalled energy projects.
Inside Climate News: Northeastern States Unveil New Grid Planning Strategy in Attempt to Regain Control Over Energy Future
Topics: United In The News, Jon Gordon, Interconnection
Canary Media: Illinois’ Grid Needs Batteries. Can the Legislature Deliver?
Canary Media reports that Illinois lawmakers are pushing to pass legislation that would jumpstart large-scale battery storage deployment to meet the state's clean energy goals and growing energy demand. United's Samarth Medakkar called on state legislators to swiftly pass the proposed bills, emphasizing that prompt action would enable Illinois to procure energy storage projects—enhancing grid reliability, stimulating economic growth, and lowering electricity costs for consumers.
Topics: United In The News, Illinois, Samarth Medakkar, Battery Storage
New Massachusetts Report from Advanced Energy United: Smarter Rates Can Unlock Savings for Electrifying Homes
Study found with time-of-use rates households could cut bills and ease grid strain
BOSTON, MA — New research released today by Advanced Energy United finds that smarter electric rate design could significantly reduce energy bills for Massachusetts households that switch from gas furnace heating to clean electric heat pumps.
The report, prepared by Advanced Energy United and Demand Side Analytics, “Massachusetts Study on Time-Varying Rate Design to Enable Electrification,” found switching to “time-of-use” electric rates, where electricity costs less during off-peak hours when demand on the grid is low, can eliminate cost-barriers to electrification, and even save households money.
Topics: Regulatory, Press Releases, Sarah Steinberg, Shawn Kelly, Building Electrification
In New York State Budget, Bright Spots for Electric Vehicles and Clean Heating
ALBANY, NY – The New York State Legislature has passed its 2026 budget, including provisions that prioritize cost-saving clean energy policies that will drive investment, minimize cost to New Yorkers, and modernize the grid. The budget delivers key clean energy investments, funding electric school buses, expanded electric vehicle (EV) charging, and efforts to decarbonize buildings across the state.
Topics: Press Releases, Electric Vehicles, Electric school buses, New York, Kristina Persaud, Building Electrification
Inside Climate News: Youngkin Vetoes Clean Energy Bills That Garnered Support From Dominion, Environmental Groups
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin vetoed two bipartisan clean energy bills that aimed to expand small solar projects and energy storage across the state. Inside Climate News spoke with several clean energy experts and advocates, including United's Jim Purekal, who stated that the veto was a missed opportunity to increase grid reliability, reduce costs for ratepayers, and bolster energy security across the state.
Topics: Virginia, United In The News, Jim Purekal, Solar, Battery Storage
Utility Dive: IRA’s Fate Unclear as Republicans Look to Finance Megabill
Utility Dive reports that the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is likely to be targeted for cuts as Congress aims to cut spending by $2 trillion. United's Harry Godfrey emphasized that tax credits included in the IRA are critical to building U.S. energy dominance, creating good-paying jobs, and boosting economic development.
Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities
Colorado Legislature Passes NextGen Highways Bill, Unlocking More Transmission Development in the State
HB25-1292 will open existing state highway rights-of-way for electric transmission lines, helping meet Colorado’s growing demand for clean, reliable energy
DENVER, CO—Today, the Colorado Legislature has officially passed HB 25-1292, known as the “NextGen Highways” bill, marking a major step forward in modernizing Colorado’s electric transmission infrastructure. The bill now heads to Governor Jared Polis’ desk for signature.
Topics: Press Releases, Emilie Olson, Transmission, Colorado
Inside Climate News: Proposed Cuts to Energy and Environment Programs in Trump’s Budget Worry Advocates and Elected Officials
Inside Climate News reports on President Trump's proposed cuts to the 2026 fiscal year budget, which includes deep cuts to renewable energy research, low-income heating assistance, and environmental justice programs, reflecting a broader rollback of energy and infrastructure spending. United’s Harry Godfrey advocated that advanced energy technologies are essential for an economy with abundant and affordable energy and criticized the budget request for seemingly defunding programs based on keywords, such as 'renewable energy.'
Topics: United In The News, Harrison Godfrey, Federal Priorities
Smart Grid, Smart Move: Virginia Governor Greenlights Virtual Power Plant Pilot
The Community Energy Act (HB 2346/SB 1100) makes way for community-powered clean energy, cutting costs and boosting reliability
RICHMOND, VA — Today, Gov. Glenn Youngkin signed the Community Energy Act (HB 2346/SB 1100) into law. The new law directs Dominion Energy to launch a 450-megawatt virtual power plant pilot, allowing homes and businesses to aggregate solar panels, batteries, EV chargers, and smart devices into a flexible grid resource that can reduce peak demand, lower electricity costs, and improve grid reliability.
Topics: Virginia, Press Releases, Jim Purekal, Virtual Power Plants
Canary Media: Massachusetts Should Uphold the State’s Clean Car Rules, Advocates Say
Canary Media reports on Massachusetts advocates urging Governor Maura Healey to stay the course on enforcement of the state's long-established ACCII standards, amid concerns that the administration may backtrack on those commitments. United’s Kat Burnham observes the pressure to roll back these standards isn’t coming from consumers, and notes the state already has incentives and infrastructure in place to support the transition to electrified transportation.
Topics: Advanced Transportation, United In The News, Electric Vehicles, Kat Burnham, Massachusetts