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.
Halfpoint/Shutterstock.com
pexelsstock/Shutterstock.com
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.
Net Vector/Shutterstock.com
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.
stoatphoto/Shutterstock.com
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
Na_Studio/Shutterstock.com
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.
iStock.com/domin_domin
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.
Chitaika/Shutterstock.com
Strange New Alliance Powers the AI Era
Enphase Energy executive explains how the AI build-out is turning utilities and distributed energy companies into collaborators.
Suppawong Yaed/Shutterstock.com
States Deliver a Record Year for Distributed Energy Policy
2025 was a record year for distributed energy policy, with states accelerating action on solar, storage, EVs, and resilience. New Pew data shows just how widespread the shift has become.
Bokica/Shutterstock.com
Fast Power. New Money. How the Data Center Race is Remaking DERs
Speed to power is creating a new market for distributed energy. Three developments from the past week illustrate how varied — and unsettled — the new market is.
SAG stock/Shutterstock.com
What Now for Distributed Energy? A Project Buyer’s Perspective
Electrons are not political — everyone needs them. And maybe it’s our industry’s own fault. We didn’t do enough to say, “Look, these projects are economic.” It’s a no-brainer in certain states to have solar on your roof.