Renew. Rethink. Read.
2025 Renewable Energy Milestones
In 2025, clean energy became the leading source of new power in the U.S., with record solar and battery additions and fossil fuels falling below half of generation. But the projects completed this year were built under yesterday’s rules. As policy uncertainty grows and demand accelerates, the real test begins in 2026.
In Puerto Rico, residential solar and storage growth outpaces utility-scale developments
Puerto Rico’s families have built one of the most resilient energy networks in the U.S. After years of blackouts, residents turned to rooftop solar and batteries—now totaling over 1.3 GW of capacity and 185,000 systems. With 81,000 batteries linked into a virtual power plant, Puerto Rico’s grid is being rebuilt from the bottom up by its own people.
A Trump Overhaul of the Energy Dept. Breaks Up Clean Energy Offices
The Department of Energy has dismantled several key offices responsible for advancing U.S. clean energy and grid modernization. The reorganization eliminates dedicated solar and efficiency programs while pausing billions in active projects. With offices dissolved and staff reduced, the shake-up raises questions about federal capacity to support states, utilities, and developers as demand and grid pressures rise.
PSEG could offer lower rates to New Jersey’s incoming governor: equity analysts
Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill plans to freeze New Jersey’s utility rates on day one and expand clean energy to tackle soaring power bills. PSEG, the state’s largest utility, says it’s ready to cooperate by boosting investments in storage, efficiency, and transmission. The move could reshape how New Jersey balances affordability and reliability as energy demand rises.
Data Centers in the Mid-Atlantic Face a New Legal Frontier: “Bring Your Own Generation”
Governors across the Mid-Atlantic are considering a “Bring Your Own Generation” policy to let data centers build their own power plants in exchange for faster grid connections. The proposal could ease pressure on PJM’s congested system but raises major questions about equity, reliability, and who pays for shared infrastructure if private power becomes the norm.
Is your electric bill going up? AI is partly to blame
U.S. electricity prices have risen 40% since 2020, the steepest jump in a generation. A major driver is the explosion of AI data centers, which consume massive power while often paying discounted rates. That leaves regular households covering the difference through higher bills. Fair pricing and smarter policy are needed to balance growth with affordability.