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2 years ago

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us grid upgrade
Solar energy powering grid Source: Shutterstock

Electrek spoke with former FERC commissioner and PG&E chair Nora Mead Brownell about how the US can quickly and efficiently upgrade its grid in order to get rapidly incoming wind and solar projects online faster. Here’s what she said.

Electrek: The grid is having its moment in the spotlight, but not for the right reasons. Why can’t power utilities handle the renewable energy transition? 

Nora Mead Brownell: They can. But it will take some innovation. Most of the world’s transmission infrastructure was built between 40 and as much as 80 years ago, and much of it is operating well past age and design limits. Utilities currently don’t monitor their power lines for conditions that affect carrying capacity; like how much a line is sagging or swaying or ambient temperatures. In fact, 99% of power lines aren’t monitored at all, and that’s a problem. 

Without that monitoring capability, utilities are making a “best-guess” as to how much power a transmission line can handle. By using assumptions that are typically “worst-case,” such as assuming extreme temperatures in July without respect to the cooling effect that wind has on a power line, utilities are only using a fraction of the true capacity of a given power line. That’s, in part, causing curtailment of renewable energy projects – and a long, often never-ending wait for renewable energy projects trying to interconnect to the grid. 

Electrek: How does that delay get fixed? You mentioned innovation.

Nora Mead Brownell: In 2021, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) ruled unanimously to pass Order 881, which requires transmission providers to use a more accurate transmission line rating methodology called Ambient Adjusted Ratings (AAR). When fully implemented, AAR should help increase the capacity of those aging power lines and minimize the curtailment of wind and solar generation. But while Order 881 is a welcome start to modernizing the grid and increasing its carrying capacity, it’s really an incremental step, and one that’s almost three years away. It’s not enough.

Electrek: So what needs to happen?

Nora Mead Brownell: Well, we need to build more power lines. According to the US Department of Energy, we need to build about 47,000 miles of lines to meet the demand of the energy transition. But we’re dreaming if we think that’s going to happen in time to meet climate goals. Transmission lines are expensive, face considerable local opposition, and are next to impossible to permit. 

If we’re to have any chance of decarbonizing the power grid before 2030, FERC needs to act again and require utilities to implement Dynamic Line Ratings. DLRs empower utilities with real-time data from advanced sensors that provide real-time field conditions that affect transmission capacity. Armed with this information, grid operators can safely go beyond – sometimes well beyond – the limits of traditional “guesstimates” to maximize grid capacity and get those wind and solar projects back online, and, hopefully, unlock some of what is now a 2-terawatt interconnection queue.

Electrek: Are utilities using DLRs now?

Nora Mead Brownell: Yes. In fact, National Grid just installed the largest DLR project in the US in upstate New York. And some of the largest utilities in the world are using it, like Xcel Energy, Dominion Energy, Avangrid, the Tennessee Valley Authority, and countless others. But given just how much wind and solar capacity the Inflation Reduction Act is poised to build, integration of the technology needs to happen much, much faster.  

Electrek: So why isn’t it happening faster? What can people do to move the needle?

Nora Mead Brownell: The current economic model favors building new power lines – which, again, we need to do. But we need to better incentivize utilities to innovate with grid-enhancing technologies like DLR.

There’s currently a proposed FERC rule that would dramatically accelerate the use of the technology, and a variety of government agencies, like NYSERDA in New York, are incentivizing utilities to use DLR. In fact, New York State is arguably the leader in the expansion of its grid for renewables and the integration of the technology. National Grid, New York Power Authority, New York State Electric and Gas, and Rochester Gas & Electric are all installing DLRs provided by Boston-based LineVision’s non-contact LiDAR sensors. 

People need to contact their local elected officials and demand action on this important issue.

Read more: Wind and solar are now beating coal in the US

Photo: Shutterstock

Nora M. Brownell is the cofounder of ESPY Energy Solutions and is on the advisory board for LineVision. She was nominated by President George W. Bush to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) where she served from 2001-2006, when her term expired. Brownell also served as a member of the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission, and as the chair of the board of Pacific Gas & Electric (PG&E).

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Environment

Rad Power offers $200 discount and up to $210 in FREE bundled gear on e-bikes from $1,399, Exclusive Anker S340 solar cam low, more

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3 hours ago

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October 3, 2025

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Rad Power offers 0 discount and up to 0 in FREE bundled gear on e-bikes from ,399, Exclusive Anker S340 solar cam low, more

It’s another EV-heavy day of Green Deals, headlined by Rad Power’s newly launched Haul-o-ween Sale that is taking $200 off one e-bike, while offering up to $210 in FREE bundled gear with several other new and legacy models, like the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike and the Radster Road Commuter e-bike getting a $199 free cargo kit for $1,999, while other deals start from $1,399. We also secured up to $280 in exclusive savings on nine Anker eufy security devices, like the SoloCam S340 Solar Security Camera at a new $110 low. We also have new low prices on Heybike’s Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bikes starting from $2,099, an Autel 40A level 2 smart EV charger discount, and more waiting for you below. And don’t forget about all the hangover deals collected at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s exclusive new Jackery Explorer 3000 v2 (HomePower 3000) low price, and more.

Head below for other New Green Deals we’ve found today and, of course, Electrek’s best EV buying and leasing deals. Also, check out the new Electrek Tesla Shop for the best deals on Tesla accessories.

Tested: Anker SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 portable power station brings ample support in a smaller and lighter unit

Anker is hands-down one of the most well-known tech accessory brands with an extensive lineup of consumer electronics, and its SOLIX sub-brand has making waves in the  portable backup power solution space. Its C1000 power station made big waves when it first hit the market in 2023, quickly becoming a popular charging solution for camping and other outdoor activities, in particular. Now, two years later, the Anker has introduced its SOLIX C1000 Gen 2 Portable Power Station, which I was lucky enough to snag and test out, and which I believe will outshine its predecessor in the long run. Head below to get my hands-on impressions of this all-new solar generator.

To get our full hands-on impression of this new portable backup power solution, be sure to check out our review here.

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man and woman riding Rad Power Radster Trail e-bikes through forest

Rad Power’s Haul-o-ween Sale offers up to $210 in FREE cargo or starter gear with new and legacy e-bikes starting from $1,399

Rad Power Bikes has launched its Haul-o-ween Sale, with a $200 discount on its RadRover 6 Plus e-bike, as well as several other models (new and legacy) getting up to $210 in FREE bundle kits and accessories. Amongst the models seeing bundles attached, you’ll find the Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike getting a free $199 cargo kit at $1,999 shipped, with its Radster Road Commuter e-bike sibling getting the same kit for $1,999 shipped too. Just be sure to add the e-bikes and the cargo kits (all from the same landing pages) to your cart for the discount to automatically be applied. Originally going for $2,199 at full price since their release in March, we saw the brand officially drop prices to these rates mid-August, with the deals here giving you the continued lowest tracked prices alongside the free gear. Head below to learn more and browse the full lineup of deals while the sale lasts.

The stylish new Radster Trail and Radster Road e-bikes are very similar in their overall designs, with slight differences based on where you plan to spend most of your time riding – down streets or through trails and other off-road areas. They both come boasting 100Nm torque-producing 750W rear hub motors with 720Wh Safe Shield semi-integrated batteries powering them. This combination provides you with up to 65+ miles of pedal-assisted travel (supported by a torque sensor) at up to 20/28 MPH top speeds, depending on state-specific laws. Among the other shared features, you’ll be gaining hydraulic disc brakes, hydraulic suspension forks, auto-on headlights, brake-activated taillights, turn signaling functionality, rear cargo racks, a color display with a Type-C port, and more.

There are also the shared smart features here, which include passcode locking, an included security fob, and more. Where these models differ, as you may already be able to guess, is mainly in their tires. The Trail model bringing along 27.5-inch by 3-inch Kenda Havoc puncture-resistant tires for your off-roading fun, while the Road model has been equipped with 29-inch by 2.2-inch Kenda Kwik puncture-resistant tires, as well as some differing fender/handlebar designs too.

Rad Power Bikes Haul-o-ween discounts:

Rad Power Bikes Haul-o-ween bundle/accessory deals:

  • RadRunner Cargo Utility e-bike: $1,499 (No price cut)
    • 20 MPH for up to 55+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • RadWagon 4 Cargo e-bike: $1,799 (No price cut)
  • RadRunner Plus Cargo Utility e-bike: $1,799 (No price cut)
    • 20 MPH for up to 55+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • Radster Trail Off-Road e-bike: $1,999 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • comes with FREE $199 cargo kit (added on landing page)
  • Radster Road Commuter e-bike: $1,999 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 65+ miles
    • comes with FREE $199 cargo kit (added on landing page)
  • RadRunner Max Cargo Utility e-bike: $2,299 (No price cut)
    • 20/28 MPH for up to 60+ miles
    • gets FREE $210 starter kit (added on landing page)
  • RadWagon 5 Cargo e-bike: $2,399 (No price cut)
Anker eufy SoloCam S340 solar security camera with solar panel attached to house

Upgrade your security with up to $280 in exclusive savings on Anker eufy cameras and smart locks at new lows from $70

We’ve secured quite the lineup of exclusive deals for our readers from Wellbots on Anker eufy security devices, with most at new low prices, like the SoloCam S340 Solar Security Camera at $109.99 shipped, after using the exclusive code 9TO5EUF90 at checkout. Normally, this model runs for $200 at full price, which we’ve seen drop as low as $123 this year, while last year saw things fall lower to $120 during Cyber Monday sales. While these exclusive savings last, you’ll be getting $90 taken off the tag, landing it at a new all-time low price. Head below to learn more about this device and the others benefiting from exclusive discounts.

If you want to learn more about this camera, as well as browse the full lineup of deals, be sure to check out our original coverage of all the exclusive security savings here.

man on Heybike Hero e-bike atop mountainous terrain

Heybike’s premium Hero carbon fiber mid-drive and rear hub all-terrain e-bikes at new lows from $2,099

As part of its ongoing Prime Fall e-bike Sale, which has given us new low prices on the ALPHA all-terrain and Hauler cargo e-bikes, Heybike has also dropped the price lower-than-ever on its Hero Carbon-Fiber All-Terrain e-bikes too. You can find the 1,000W rear hub model down at $2,099 shipped, while its upgraded 750W mid-drive model is sitting at $2,299 shipped. These are some of the brand’s higher-end EVs, which normally go for $2,599 and $3,099 at full price, and which have mostly received $100 to $300 discounts over the year, save for select events, like its anniversary sale, where we saw things go lower to $2,199 and $2,499. Now the savings are bigger and better than ever, as the $500 and $800 markdowns here land the costs at new all-time low prices.

If you want to learn more about these two e-bikes, be sure to check out our original coverage of these deals here.

man charging vehicle with Autel EV charger

Bring home Autel’s 40A MaxiCharger AC Lite level 2 EV charging station with an AI voice assistant for $379

Through its official Amazon storefront, Autel is dropping costs on its MaxiCharger AC Lite Home 40A Smart AI Level 2 EV Charger to $379 shipped in both colorway options. This is an at-home charging solution that normally runs for $470 at full price, with regular discounts to $399 over the year, and only one-time falls to $376 and the $352 low, which appeared back during Memorial Day sales. You can pick it up here at only $3 more than July’s Prime Day rate, saving you $91 off the going rate for the third-lowest price we have tracked.

If you want to learn more about this EV charging station, be sure to check out our original coverage of this deal here, while its 50A counterpart can be found at $455 here.

Review: Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike is a rugged off-roader with plenty of suspension and hidden punch

When it comes to e-bikes, most people’s immediate thought is a commuter model designed to get you through streets to your various destinations, but with Ride1Up’s Revv1 DRT e-bike, the fun is extended (and primarily focused) to off-road adventures, and boy, does this baby have some go in it. It’s been over two years since we reviewed the Revv1 FS counterpart, which we came away quite impressed with its SUPER73-like design. Now we’re heading off the beaten path with this newer off-road variant, which boasts improved specs that outshine its predecessors in the series.

To get our full hands-on impression of this e-bike, be sure to check out our review here.

anker solix early prime day power station sale
ecoflow early prime day power station sale
jackery Early Prime Day Power Station Sale

Best Fall EV deals!

Best new Green Deals landing this week

The savings this week are also continuing to a collection of other markdowns. To the same tune as the offers above, these all help you take a more energy-conscious approach to your routine. Winter means you can lock in even better off-season price cuts on electric tools for the lawn while saving on EVs and tons of other gear.


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Nissan LEAF hit with a big recall, more than 19,000 vehicles affected

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3 hours ago

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October 3, 2025

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Nissan LEAF hit with a big recall, more than 19,000 vehicles affected

Nissan-LEAF-Recall-19,000

It’s a good thing the new 2026 LEAF should be here any day. The recall affects over 19,000 Nissan LEAF vehicles, model years 2021-2022, because the battery may overheat during fast charging. Here’s the fix.

Nissan LEAF recall impacts 19,000+ vehicles

Nissan’s OG, the LEAF, has been hit with yet another recall. In a letter sent to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) on October 2, Nissan announced a recall of 19,077 LEAF models from 2021 to 2022.

The recall only affects models that are equipped with a Level 3 quick charging port. Nissan said the battery may overheat during fast charging.

After an investigation, Nissan found that LEAF models built between November 3, 2020, and May 23, 2022, at its Smyrna Assembly plant, may have an issue with excessive lithium deposits within the battery cells. If that happens, the increased electrical resistance can cause the battery to overheat or catch fire during Level 3 charging.

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Nissan is preparing a software update to fix the issue. Once it’s ready, Nissan said owners of affected vehicles will be notified with an “Invitation to Repair Owner” letter, which will include further instructions.

Nissan-LEAF-recall-19,000
2025 Nissan LEAF (Source Nissan)

The letters are expected to be mailed out, starting on October 24, 2025. Dealers will update the battery software, free of charge. Until it’s ready, Nissan is urging owners not to use Level 3 quick charging.

For those with LEAF models that are no longer under warranty, Nissan will include instructions in the owner notification letters concerning reimbursement.

Nissan-LEAF-recall-19,000
2025 Nissan LEAF (Source Nissan)

Owners can contact Nissan’s customer service at 1-800-867-7669. Nissan’s recall number is R25C8. You can also contact the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Vehicle Hotline at 1-888-327-4236 or visit the nhtsa.gov website for more information.

Nissan-new-LEAF-EV
2026 Nissan LEAF (Source: Nissan

The outgoing LEAF has had several major recalls now, but the third-generation model, set to hit dealerships any day now, promises to fix some of its biggest issues.

Nissan claims the 2026 LEAF has “the lowest starting MSRP for any new EV currently on sale in the US” at just $29,990. It also has a fresh, new crossover SUV-like design, over 300 miles of driving range, and an NACS port (finally) to access Tesla Superchargers.

While Nissan focuses on the new LEAF, its electric SUV, the Ariya, will not be offered in the US for the 2026 model year.


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Environment

Tesla launches Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

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3 hours ago

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October 3, 2025

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Tesla launches Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia and Qatar

2024 Tesla Prices
Source: Tesla

Tesla has officially launched the Cybertruck in Saudi Arabia and Qatar, as the automaker seeks to expand the electric pickup truck’s availability in new markets following disappointing demand in the US.

For its first year of production, Cybertruck was limited to the North American market, and it has been a commercial flop.

Tesla had accumulated over 1 million reservations for the vehicle and planned for a production capacity of 250,000 units per year, with CEO Elon Musk saying that it could be increased to 500,000 units.

After Tesla unveiled the production version with a much higher price than initially announced and a significantly shorter range, demand plummeted, and now Tesla is struggling to sell the truck at a rate of 25,000 units per year – a tenth of the production capacity.

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Over the past few months, the automaker has been expanding Cybertruck availability to select overseas markets in an effort to utilize a portion of its unused production capacity.

In August, Tesla announced that Cybertruck is coming to South Korea, with reservations being converted to orders.

Last month, the automaker also announced the planned launch of the Cybertruck in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Now, Tesla has announced that it is starting to take orders in the UAE, but also in Saudi Arabia and Qatar.

In Saudi Arabia, the Cybertruck starts at 435,000 Saudi Riyal, which is the equivalent of about $116,000 USD:

Tesla says that deliveries are planned for March 2026.

Electrek’s Take

Saudi Arabia and Qatar are both heavily invested in Elon’s ventures, and there’s a significant amount of money involved.

However, there’s so much money that many people who already wanted a Cybertruck were able to import them themselves already.

I believe these overseas markets can help Tesla boost Cybertruck volumes by 20% over the next 12 months.

That’s not enough to save the program.

The only thing that could be a next-gen vehicle that brings the capabilities and price closer to what Tesla originally announced in 2019.


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