The Significance of the Google/Volta Deal Beyond the Megawatts
By creating virtual power plants, tech companies can give something back to the community and maybe ease some of the opposition to data centers.
Calling Distributed Energy “Rinky-Dink” Gets the Grid Wrong
Local solar, batteries, EVs and virtual power plants aren't sideshows. They're becoming core grid resources.
The $67 Billion Utility Deal That Could Reshape the Grid Edge
The proposed NextEra–Dominion merger could create a distribution powerhouse as data centers, microgrids and customer-sited energy begin reshaping the electric system.
The Latest Decentralized Energy News
Is it the 1970s All Over Again for Renewable Energy?
Five decades ago, a worldwide oil crisis put renewable energy on the radar of governments and consumers. Here we are again, but this time, renewables have a lot more muscle.
DERs Disrupt the Simple Story of AI’s Energy Surge
As AI drives unprecedented load growth, DERs, efficiency, and flexible demand are complicating the supply–demand equation
Copper Could Stymie the Energy Transition. Distributed Energy Can’t Solve This One
A looming copper shortage affects the entire electric system from the utility to the customer's home.
A Complete List of Energy Changemakers Podcasts
The Energy Changemakers Podcast, with host Elisa Wood, is available every other Wednesday on Apple and Spotify.
Out of Chaos Comes a New Playbook for Distributed Energy
50 states. 50 different policies for distributed energy (DERs). So, how do you scale the technologies? Pew has a playbook.
Virginia Becomes Third State to Approve Balcony Solar
Virginia follows Utah and Maine to become the third state to approve balcony solar.
Same Mission. Greater Reach. A New Energy Changemakers
Check out the new Energy Changemakers. We've redesigned the platform. It's not just a visual refresh but reflects our growth.
List of Biden-era Energy Projects that Trump Administration Says Will Receive Funding
Here is the list of Biden-era energy projects that Trump's DOE says it will fund either as is or restructured.
Don’t Underestimate Balcony Solar
Balcony solar isn’t really about small panels on apartment railings. It's about the moment a consumer starts to feel agency over their energy.
Xcel Energy Wins Approval of Controversial Minnesota Virtual Power Plant Pilot
Xcel Energy Minnesota won approval of its controversial virtual power plant pilot that divided the distributed energy community.
Almost Bankrupt, This Electric Co-op Survived by Ditching the Status Quo
Rayburn Electric Cooperative's story offers a provocative message for utilities: Ditch the status quo.Top Podcast
Jigar Shah’s Surprising Stand on This Utility Program
Jigar Shah explains why he supports the Xcel Minnesota virtual power plant program in an Energy Changemakers Podcast.
Latest Resources
2026 Market Survey: Microgrid and Distributed Energy Projects Grow in Complexity
Reports of distributed energy’s demise have been greatly exaggerated, according to a 2025 survey of distributed energy and microgrid industry professionals. When the One Big Beautiful Bill Act became law in July 2025, many industry experts feared solar-heavy distributed energy development would dry up with the loss of federal incentives. While survey respondents (67%) say […]
Energy Allies: Communities and Utilities Building Resilience Together
This white paper examines how
successful partnerships among communities, utilities, and energy service providers can improve the grid
and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.
Microgrids as a Building Block for Future Grids
This white paper is the fourth in a series of seven white papers in support of the DOE Microgrid R&D Program and presents a broad vision for future grids where microgrids serve as a building block along with technologies that would need to be developed, use case scenarios and the research targets. The DOE Microgrid […]
Utility Bills are Rising: PowerLines
New polling by PowerLines, a nonpartisan consumer education nonprofit, reveals the toll of rising utility bills on American energy consumers.
Microgrids Now
- Microgrid Company IPO Filing Shows $1.3 Billion Sales Backlog, Up 779%
- The Microgrid Dilemma: To Build Around the Grid or Wait for It?
- Montgomery County, Maryland, Notches Another Microgrid Win, This One for Affordable Housing
- Against the Odds, Communities Can Build Local Energy. Here’s How
- Microgrids Are a Goldmine for Grid Operators — They Just Don’t Know It