California's investor-owned utilities are changing how they charge for power

Apr 19, 2023
The push to "electrify everything" prompted the state to mandate a new fixed charge based on income, and the state's investor-owned utilities are out with proposals.
California is trying to bring down utility fees with a flat fee tacked on to an individual's utility bill based on income. Above, power lines in Rosemead, California.
Frederic J. Brown/AFP via Getty Images

Heating oil costs are up — and that's bad news for the Northeast

Dec 12, 2022
In New England and other northeastern states where heating oil is a common fuel, it's going to cost more to stay warm this winter.
Staying warm in the winter is going to become more expensive, especially in the Northeast.
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Cash-strapped cities consider turning crumbling utilities over to the private sector

Oct 20, 2022
Infrastructure repairs are usually left up to local governments, but smaller cities can’t always afford these repairs.
Above, a water treatment plant on Aug. 31, in Jackson, Mississippi. In places like Jackson and Duquesne, Pennsylvania, crumbling infrastructure has led to unclean drinking water.
Brad Vest/Getty Images

Energy is getting more expensive. More middle-income families are struggling to pay.

May 16, 2022
Between a quarter and a third of U.S. households are said to be energy insecure, and many don't qualify for aid.
Energy costs should take up about 6% of household income, energy experts say. But many low- and middle-income families are spending  multiple times that.
Photo illustration by George Frey/Getty Images