← Friday 23 Octobernote 11 of 14
Climate techFri 23 Oct 2026 · 11 of 14

Solar and Storage Cut Wholesale Electricity Prices in Texas and California

Verified · 5/5 supported1 cited · 1 min read

CleanTechnica reports that solar and storage growth drove down average wholesale electricity prices by 42% in Texas from summer 2021 to summer 2026 . CleanTechnica reports that the same growth lowered average wholesale electricity prices by 51% in California over the same period . CleanTechnica reports that solar generation in Texas increased 421% during the five‑year span . CleanTechnica reports that the analysis was released by the Solar Energy Industries Association and highlights energy affordability ahead of the midterm elections .

Why it matters. CleanTechnica notes that the price cuts boost electricity affordability for consumers as the issue becomes central to the upcoming midterm elections .

Earlier on Climate tech

Thu 22 Oct 2026Congress Introduces Socket Full of Sunshine Act to Legalize Plug‑In Balcony SolarCanary Media reports that U.S. Rep. Rob Menendez introduced a federal bill called the Socket Full of Sunshine Act to legalize plug‑in balcony solar panels. Canary Media reports that the legislation would require state public utility commissions to consider rules that enable Americans to access plug‑in solar technology. Canary Media reports that the bill would create a program or rebates to help low‑income households afford plug‑in solar systems. Canary Media reports that Menendez said families are being squeezed by rising electric bills and that plug‑in solar is an affordable way to cut costs, with the act clearing regulatory barriers.Wed 21 Oct 2026Permafrost Thaw Threatens Wainwright Infrastructure and Could Cost BillionsCleanTechnica reports that Wainwright, Alaska is built on permafrost that contains large bodies of ice beneath the surface. CleanTechnica reports that the hidden ice in the permafrost is becoming exposed and melting as the ground thaws. CleanTechnica reports that melting permafrost can cause roads to sink, buildings to tilt, pipelines to crack and leak, and shorelines to retreat, putting homes close to the ocean. CleanTechnica reports that a 2025 study estimated permafrost thaw could cost Alaska between $37 billion and $51 billion in building and road damage. CleanTechnica reports that drones can be used to detect permafrost changes from the air.Tue 20 Oct 2026Hybrid Vehicle Share Grows Slightly as BEV and PHEV Sales Slip in US Q3 2026CleanTechnica reports that hybrid, battery electric, and plug‑in hybrid vehicles accounted for 23% of new US light‑duty vehicle sales in the third quarter of 2026, a small decline from 24% in the same quarter of 2025. CleanTechnica reports that hybrid electric vehicles alone made up 16% of new light‑duty vehicle sales in Q3 2026, continuing to gain market share. CleanTechnica reports that the average transaction price for a new vehicle exceeded $50,000 in Q3 2026, the first time that price level was reached this year, and that this price increase slowed hybrid sales growth. CleanTechnica reports that battery electric vehicle sales fell to 6% of new US light‑duty vehicle sales in Q3 2026, down from 10% in Q3 2025. CleanTechnica reports that the share of plug‑in hybrid electric vehicles also declined in Q3 2026.
Next · Central banks and marketsBank of Japan Holds Japanese Government Bonds →