Utilities
Will bitcoin and data centers risk US climate goals?
US energy use has been flat. But new industries are forcing a boost in utility forecasts for demand, potentially harming efforts to cut emissions.
Kristi E. Swartz/Floodlight
Kristi is a veteran business reporter with years of experience covering the electricity industry. kristi@floodlightnews.org
Utilities
Fraud and corruption on rise at US utilities, threatening energy transition
A Floodlight analysis finds a historic surge in power company fraud and corruption. The lies and bribes cost consumers — and threaten the planet.
Polluting Democracy
‘What corruption gets you’: How utility companies bought support in the Black south
A joint investigation by Floodlight and Capital B shows millions of dollars flowed from utilities to Black leaders and their groups since at least 2009.
Utilities
Voting rights decision may curb push to diversify Georgia, Alabama utility commissions
Plaintiffs in the challenge to Georgia Public Service Commission’s statewide elections appear headed to the U.S. Supreme Court.
Utilities
Going clean means more ‘green’ — for electric companies
Billions in new projects to reduce emissions means ratepayers must foot the bill while utilities earn guaranteed, often double-digit, profits.
Utilities
Public utility commissions are exceptionally white. It’s hurting black residents.
As the new head of a group of conservation voters in Georgia, Brionté McCorkle wanted to sit down with regulators who oversee the state’s utilities to talk about carbon emissions.
Utilities
US utilities oppose Biden efforts to make gas power plants cleaner
Lobbying group’s pushback is out of step with voters and raises questions about industry commitment to reducing pollution
Gulf Coast
Texas has gone big with renewable energy. Why can’t it go all the way?
The biggest barriers to making Texas’ power grid 100% renewable have little to do with politics.
Utilities
US utility firms spent big preparing power grid for storms – and still failed
Electric utilities spent billions after 2014’s polar vortex to ensure power plants and the grid could handle extreme cold, but this winter it still wasn’t enough.