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By Karina Hershberg, PE

For most of human history, work and activity has been shaped by the sun. During the day, humans could farm, socialize, and build. At sunset, activity had to slow down, and shelter found. Energy was only used when energy was available, during daylight hours. We were leading Net Zero Carbon lives before it was cool.

By first harnessing biofuels and then fossil fuels, life got to expand beyond the confines of sunrise and sunset. Fossil fuels were an amazing portable form of super dense energy that transformed humanity’s path through history and paved the way to our modern lifestyle. Unfortunately, these fuels also have led us to the abyss of the climate crisis in which we currently find ourselves. The question now is whether we can reconcile the negative aspects of our relationship with energy while preserving the positive.

Enter the concept of grid-interactive flexible loads. It doesn’t roll off the tongue quite as easy as “solar” or “wind,” which is perhaps why it hasn’t received the same amount of attention in discussions of sustainability. Yet, a closer look at the plans for energy decarbonization shows flexible loads are just as important to the success of this planet-saving solution as its more famous renewable energy cousins.

The concept of flexible load is called by many names — demand response, peak shaving, grid-interactive efficient buildings, distributed energy resources, and the list goes on. But despite a cornucopia of buzzwords, these terms all describe the same vision of utilizing buildings and their systems to help grids.

Net Zero … What?

Grid-interactivity and flexible loads are in response to the limitations of onsite solar generation and even the aspirations of net zero energy. Net zero energy has been an important goal for the building sector to target, but it technically is not the same as truly being in sync with available energy resources. In many ways, it is a math problem you do at the end of the year to reconcile your annual usage with your annual generation, whereas total decarbonization means your load is served by renewable sources every minute of every hour of every day. So, while net zero energy is a critical step in the right direction, 24/7 emissions-free energy is ultimately where we need to land. If done correctly, it will be a return to a zero-carbon lifestyle, one aligned with the energy flows of nature, while still supporting the advances of modern society.

Images courtesy of PAE

DIY Grid-Interactivity

One of the key solutions for returning to a system in balance with renewable resources is to reimagine buildings and homes as dynamic partners in these larger utility systems instead of simply passive users of the energy services. This more dynamic relationship is where grid-interactive, flexible loads come back into the picture.

Demand response programs come in all shapes and sizes, but to an average homeowner such as myself, they can look as simple as a text message like the one I received on June 22, 2020. It was the inaugural residential “Peak Time Rebate Event” for my utility, Portland General Electrical (PGE). My text message invited me to reduce my household electricity use the following day from 5pm–8pm. In exchange, I would receive an incentive based on my decreased usage.

Source: Portland General Electric

As an electrical engineer at PAE with a passion and expertise for sustainability design and the future of energy, I was excited to participate in this program for the first time. Finally, a chance to make my home my own research project! Living in an older house without air-conditioning, my family was already in the habit of passive cooling techniques for the hot summer days- shades on the windows, avoid opening doors during the hottest parts of the day, and generally try not to add heat to the house. When the time came, 5 PM on June 23, we went around the house trimming our electric loads. It was as straightforward as shutting off lights, avoiding appliance cycles like laundry and dishes, and making simple no-cook egg salad sandwiches for dinner, which the kids reported was the best dinner they had ever had. My children’s questionable culinary preferences aside, it was a nice evening with relatively little impact to our typical routine.

The next day when my phone pinged with a text from PGE, I was excited to see the results of my efforts, but that excitement turned to confusion when I opened the message. I had saved just $.75 — reducing energy consumption from my typical 2.02 kWh to an unremarkable 1.27 kWh. I was deflated. In the coming days, I compared notes with fellow energy geek colleagues and discovered we all had a similar experience — little measurable individual impact from our supposedly critical behavior change. What was going on?

Power of the Collective

It turned out the key to our seeming failure was the scale of our view. When observed through the lens of an individual, the impact to behavior and usage was minimal. But as a collective, the story suddenly changed. After talking with experts at PGE, I learned that the voluntary collective reduction of households in PGE service areas reduced energy demand by 11 MW per event hour compared to expected demands. It put us right on the cusp of eliminating the need for a peak-time natural gas engine, one of the highest emission sources for electricity generation. This impressive system-level impact was created by a humble group of early program adopters with an average savings of just 0.12 kWh per participating household.


This is, in fact, exactly what load flexibility is trying to achieve. Collective actions made up of small individual changes are a key element of grid decarbonization and translate into system-wide emissions savings. In the most extreme cases, these small collective actions can potentially even avoid the more catastrophic situation of grid outages as recently seen around the country. The reason is that to support higher than usual energy demands, typically because of an extreme weather event, utilities have to activate their most carbon-intensive quick-response plants, so-called “peaker plants.” By strategically organizing collective action to reduce demands on the grid during these peak times, we are collectively able to have a greater emissions sum impact than might appear from its energy parts.

Image: An emissions heat map of the northern California electric grid. Decreasing electricity usage during peak emissions time with load flexibility techniques has an increased benefit in terms of emissions reductions than the same usage decrease during low emissions times.
Image by PAE using data from WattTime

“AND” Not “OR”

This brings us to what is perhaps my favorite aspect of load flexibility. When discussing sustainability, we often run into conversations about responsibility and blame. We compare and contrast the agency individuals have in their daily lives with corporations and industries who closely influence consumer options. Within the community of people who recognize the need for decarbonization and care passionately about the broad adoption of sustainable practices, even we can fall into the trap of asking the wrong question: “Should the burden be on individuals to change their habits?,” OR “Should corporations and industries be held responsible for systemic change?” In asking the question in this way we are using the wrong conjunction (and perspective for a solution). In reality, individuals need to make conscious efforts to change AND corporations and industries need to change. Demand response programs are an intriguing example of these paired truths. Changes by the individual directly support changes in the system, and vice versa.

Decarbonization of the electricity sector is one of the most critical system changes needed to reach U.S. climate targets and participation in local demand response programs is one of the more powerful tools we have as individuals to support that transition. Conveniently, it is also one of the easiest. Program registration is usually through your local utility with no cost and perhaps even a small incentive. My local utility, PGE, has several incentives from peak rebate times to smart thermostat programs. Although equipment like smart thermostats and home batteries can make participation easier and increase the benefits, low tech options like light switches and no cook meals work just fine, too.

Images courtesy of PAE

A New Energy Relationship

After a full year of participating in the PGE residential demand response program, my family has dialed in our electrical load reduction strategies. Perhaps more importantly, it has changed my mindset about how and when my home is using energy. As a certified energy geek, I’ve spent more hours than I can count poring over utility emissions profiles and pondering how buildings can more wisely tap into the flow of electrons. By better understanding where and how our electricity comes from, we can better design our buildings and optimize our usage patterns. Embracing the perspective that the solutions are an “and,” and not an “or,” will also allow us to reach an optimized grid-interactive state. But whether you chose the automated solutions or a more manual approach to embark on this path, take it from my kids – make sure to include egg salad sandwiches.

Join me for a webinar with Electrify Now and Portland Sustainable Building Week on grid interactivity on October 13. 

Karina Hershberg is passionate about sustainable development and has 15 years of experience in electrical engineering. She brings a unique perspective to her dual roles in analysis and engineering at PAE. Through data-driven analytics and innovative electrical design, Karina helps projects implement regenerative and resilient solutions. She leads the development of microgrid design, emissions analysis, and campus-scale solutions for the firm. 

 

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Kia unveils the 2026 EV4, its first all-electric global sedan

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1 hour ago

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April 16, 2025

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Kia unveils the 2026 EV4, its first all-electric global sedan

2026 Kia EV4
Photo: Kia

Kia just pulled the cover off its all-new 2026 EV4 today at the New York International Auto Show, marking the automaker’s first global all-electric sedan.

With a sleek design and practical features, Kia is clearly aiming to offer a compelling, affordable alternative to the flood of electric SUVs on the market.

The Kia EV4, set to hit US roads in early 2026, will be available in three trims – Light, Wind, and the sportier GT-Line.

Exterior and interior

2026 EV4
2026 EV4

Built on Kia’s 400V Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), the EV4 sedan sports a distinctive low, aerodynamic profile with a sporty fastback roofline. The front showcases vertical LED headlights paired with Kia’s signature Star Map lighting and a modernized version of Kia’s Tiger Face grille.

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Around back, vertical taillights and a two-piece spoiler emphasize the sedan’s sporty stance. Buyers can choose between standard 17-inch aero wheels or the 19-inch wheels exclusive to the GT-Line trim.

Inside, Kia’s EV4 emphasizes comfort, convenience, and spaciousness. A modern, open cockpit features high-quality materials, a two-spoke steering wheel, and an available 64-color ambient lighting system. With ample passenger room and cargo space, the EV4 balances practicality with a sleek, contemporary feel.

Powertrain and performance

2026 EV4

The EV4 comes with two battery options: a 58.3 kWh pack delivering about 235 miles of range (standard on the Light trim), or a larger 81.4 kWh pack good for around 330 miles (Wind and GT-Line trims). Both models feature a 150 kW front-mounted electric motor.

Charging won’t slow you down: Kia estimates a 10-to-80% DC fast charge takes just 29 minutes for the smaller battery and 31 minutes for the larger. The EV4 comes with a standard NACS charging port and is on the front passenger side.

This Kia sedan has a drag coefficient as low as 0.23 Cd. Its updated i-Pedal 3.0 system offers smooth one-pedal driving, even in reverse and adaptive regenerative braking. Additionally, Vehicle-to-Load (V2L) capability means your EV4 can power everyday devices like laptops or camping gear.

A tech-loaded interior

2026 EV4

The EV4 features nearly 30 inches of combined widescreen displays. Personalization is easy, including themed interfaces and standard wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto.

Kia’s Digital Key 2.0 lets drivers manage locks, start the climate control remotely, and access other vehicle functions via smartphone. And Kia’s built-in AI Assistant ensures natural, responsive interactions, adding another convenience layer.

Comfort isn’t an afterthought, either. Dual-zone automatic climate control, available heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, and acoustic windshield glass round out the premium feel.

Advanced driver-assist technology

2026 EV4

The EV4 is equipped with Highway Driving Assist as standard, which automatically adjusts the vehicle’s set speed to match the posted speed limit (if initially set to the speed limit) and maintains distance from the vehicle in front.

Standard Hands-On Detection helps ensure drivers stay engaged by monitoring steering-wheel grip, enhancing safety on longer trips.

Other available features include Driver Attention Warning, Forward Collision Avoidance Assist, and Lane Following Assist. Optional Remote Smart Parking Assist simplifies parking in tight spots.

Look for the Kia EV4 sedan to reach US dealers in early 2026.

Read more: Kia EV Day 2025 recap: EV4 is coming to US, plus an up-close look at the EV2 and PV5 [Video]

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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India’s Waaree to double its solar module output at its Texas factory

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3 hours ago

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April 16, 2025

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India's Waaree to double its solar module output at its Texas factory

Waaree Texas solar
Photo: Waaree Energies

Facing potential 40% tariffs on India-made solar modules, India’s Waaree Energies is doubling its manufacturing capacity at its Texas factory.

It’s adding another 1.6 gigawatts (GW) of solar module manufacturing capacity at its Brookshire factory, bringing the site’s total to 3.2 GW. The company didn’t indicate a timescale for when the capacity increase would be complete. The move is part of its strategy to reinforce its “larger strategy of de-risking its global footprint.”

The company first announced it would open the Texas factory in December 2023, its first footprint in the US. Its original plan was to have an initial capacity to manufacture 3 GW of solar modules annually by the end of 2024. 

Waaree plans to invest up to $1 billion to scale its annual solar panel production to 5 GW in Texas by 2027, which would make it one of the largest solar panel factories in the US.

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Previous to manufacturing in Texas, the Mumbai-headquartered company, which is India’s largest solar module manufacturer, already supplied Indian-made solar panels to the US. But the US’s new reciprocal tariff on solar modules imported from India is 26%, adding to the existing 14.5% Section 201 tariff, bringing the total to around 40%. 

“At a time when the world is redefining the rules of global trade, we’re not waiting for the dust to settle – we’re building through it. … The strength of our US order book is a testament to the trust we’ve built, and this expansion is a signal – we’re here, we’re growing, and we’re deeply invested in powering America’s energy future,” said Dr. Amit Paithankar, whole-time director and CEO of Waaree Energies.

Read more: Texas just shot its wind + solar boom in the foot on purpose

To limit power outages and make your home more resilient, consider going solar with a battery storage system. In order to find a trusted, reliable solar installer near you that offers competitive pricing, check out EnergySage, a free service that makes it easy for you to go solar. They have hundreds of pre-vetted solar installers competing for your business, ensuring you get high-quality solutions and save 20-30% compared to going it alone. Plus, it’s free to use and you won’t get sales calls until you select an installer and you share your phone number with them.

Your personalized solar quotes are easy to compare online and you’ll get access to unbiased Energy Advisers to help you every step of the way. Get started here. –trusted affiliate link*

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Bluetti Earth Day Sale takes up to 54% off power stations, Lectric XP 3.0 cargo bundles from $999, Aiper solar smart pool monitor, more

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4 hours ago

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April 16, 2025

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Bluetti Earth Day Sale takes up to 54% off power stations, Lectric XP 3.0 cargo bundles from 9, Aiper solar smart pool monitor, more

Today’s Green Deals are being led by Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale that is taking up to 54% off power stations and solar generator bundles, like the one we’re seeing on the AC180 Portable Power Station that comes with a 350W solar panel back at its $902 low, among plenty of others. That’s not the only Earth Day savings, as Lectric switches to its holiday-themed sale with up to $654 in free gear accompanying e-bikes, adding cargo-capable packages to the XP 3.0 e-bikes starting from $999. We just spotted the first savings on Aiper’s new solar-powered HydroComm Smart Pool Monitor that offers 5-in-1 testing at $200 off, as well as the first of EcoFlow’s phase 2 Mega Sale flash offers that bundle either the DELTA 2 or DELTA Pro Ultra power stations starting from $849 and only lasting through the rest of the day. Plus, all the other hangover Green Deals are in the links at the bottom of the page, like yesterday’s second phase EcoFlow Mega Sale offers, the launch discount on Hiboy’s U2 Pro Electric Scooter, 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.

Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale returns the AC180 1,152Wh LiFePo4 bundle with a 350W panel to $902 low

Bluetti is launching its Earth Day Sale through April 27 with up to 54% being taken off its power station lineup, complete with bonus savings. One solid option for your upcoming out-of-the-house ventures is the brand’s popular AC180 Portable Power Station bundled with a 350W solar panel for $901.55 shipped, after using the promo code Earth5 at checkout for an additional 5% off. This package would normally fetch $1,499 at full price, with past sales, particularly Black Friday, having seen it fall to this same low rate. The savings are returning here with the hopes of helping you enjoy Mother Nature even more thoroughly at a 40% markdown, slashing $597 off the going rate and returning it to the lowest price we have tracked and can currently find. This price is also beating out Amazon’s pricing by $47.

Bluetti’s AC180 power station is a solid backup power option for camping trips, with it carrying a 1,152Wh LiFePO4 capacity that covers devices and appliances with its 1,800W output that can surge up as high as 2,700W if needed. There are 11 ports to connect to for off-grid power: four ACs, four USB-As, one USB-C, one DC, and even a 15W wireless charging pad. You can regain 80% of its battery in as little as 45 minutes when plugged into a wall outlet, or you can get that same recharge in 2.8 to 3.3 hours when utilizing its maximum 500W of solar input, with alternate options available via a carport or a generator. It’s rated for 3,500+ life cycles, meaning you could use and recharge it every day for over nine and a half years, at least, before having any concerns.

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***Note: None of the prices below have had the extra savings factored in, so be sure to use the promo code Earth5 at checkout to score the maximum savings!

Bluetti’s best Earth Day Sale camping companions:

Bluetti’s best Earth Day Sale road tripping companions:

Bluetti’s best Earth Day Sale work-from-home companions:

Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale on-the-go charging solution deals:

Bluetti’s Earth Day Sale solar panel deals:

You can browse the entirety of Bluetti’s Earth Day sale on the landing page here.

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike

Load up and head out with Lectric’s cargo-equipped XP 3.0 e-bike bundles at up to $455 off from $999 in Earth Day savings

Lectric has switched over to its Earth Day Sale pricing taking up to $654 off its e-bike bundles, with its popular best-selling XP 3.0 e-bikes getting a mix of bundle options. You’ll find the standard models getting $295 in free gear at $999 shipped, while the Step-Thru Long-Range models are getting $355 in free gear at $1,199 shipped and the Black Step-Over Long-Range model getting the largest package of $455 in free gear at $1,199 shipped. These bundles would normally run you $1,294, $1,554, and $1,654, respectively. While these aren’t the largest bundles we’ve seen, they are providing the occasional cargo-ready add-on gear that is perfect for outdoor treks, especially while enjoying nature on trips. The $295 bundles offer the steel-encased front and rear cargo baskets, rear-view mirrors, a phone mount, and an accordion-style bike lock. From there, the $355 bundle trades the mirrors for an Elite headlight while the $455 bundle gives you the same with the addition of a suspension seat post and wide comfort saddle.

Lectric’s XP 3.0 models are the best-selling e-bikes in America, offering reliable commuting power alongside extremely affordable rates. The folding frames on any of these e-bikes house a 500W hub motor that peaks at 1,000W, delivering 20 MPH speeds unless you live within a state that permits the higher 28 MPH speeds.

The big difference between your choices here will depend entirely on just how far you need it to carry you, with its pedal assistance providing you with 45 miles of travel riding the standard models and up to 65 miles of travel riding the long-range models. And for when you’re not feeling like pedaling, there are throttles to go entirely electric, though keep in mind doing so will decrease your traveling range. Along with the free add-on gear, you’ll also enjoy some quality stock features, like the integrated rear cargo rack (which the basket attaches to), puncture-resistant tires, 180mm hydraulic disc brakes, an LCD display, and more.

Lectric XP 3.0 e-bike offers with up to $455 bundles:

Lectric XPedition 2.0 offers with up to $654 bundles:

Lectric XP Trike with $420 bundle:

Lectric XP Lite 2.0 LR e-bike offers with up to $365 bundles:

Lectric XPeak 2.0 offers with up to $316 bundles:

Lectric XPress 750 Commuter e-bikes with $316 bundle:

Lectric ONE LR e-bike with $220 bundle:

Aiper Smart Pool Monitor

Aiper’s solar HydroComm smart pool monitor provides 5-in-1 testing of your water with first savings at $300

Coming at us by way of its official Amazon storefront, Aiper is now offering the first chance at savings on its new HydroComm 24/7 Smart Pool Monitor at $299.99 shipped, after clipping the on-page $50 off coupon. Having been introduced to the world back at CES 2025 with a $500 price tag, this is the first chance at savings that we’ve seen, with Aiper’s direct site matching the deal, as well. All-in-all, you’re looking at a combined $200 markdown here that equips your pool with intelligent 5-in-1 testing that can run for 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Be sure to head below to learn more about this device and check out the discounts we’re seeing on the brand’s robot pool cleaners.

There’s no more need to have several different testing kits for when you need to check the various levels of your pool once you’ve added Aiper’s new HydroComm monitor to the water. It provides 5-in-1 testing thanks to the advanced detection head, giving you accurate read-outs for your pool’s pH, ORP, EC, TDS, and temperature. What’s more, it comes solar-powered, so it can continue running for 24/7, ready to provide you the information you need, whenever you need it – and should there be any cloudy days where sunlight isn’t available, there’s also the DC port to plug it in.

Aiper’s in-ground pool cleaning robot deals:

  • Scuba S1: $580 (Reg. $700) | matched at Aiper
    • for pools up to 1,600 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/water line cleaning
  • Scuba S1 Pro: $950 (Reg. $1,200) | matched at Aiper
    • for pools up to 2,150 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/water line cleaning
  • Scuba X1 (newest model): $1,199 (Reg. $1,799) | matched at Aiper
    • for pools up to 2,150 square feet in size
    • floor/wall/waterline cleaning

Aiper’s above-ground pool cleaning robot deals:

Aiper’s other robot deals for all pool types:

EcoFlow DELTA 2 power station bundle

Cover campsite and home backup with EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 and DELTA Pro Ultra flash sale bundles starting from $849

For today only, as part of EcoFlow’s second phase Mega Sale that is running through April 25, you’ll find flash offers taking up to 52% off two varying backup power solutions, with the first being the bundled DELTA 2 Portable Power Station that comes with an expansion battery and a waterproof bag at $899 shipped or you can grab just the station and battery from Amazon at $849 shipped. The 3-in-1 bundle from the direct sale normally goes for $1,877 at full price, which we don’t normally see, as it’s usually the station and the bag that get bundled for $449 or $499 in these flash savings. Outside of these short-term discounts, the station and battery combo averages around $999 with the cuts, meaning you’ll be getting one of the best values while these deals last, regardless of whether you go with or without the additional bag.

A solid option to support you through outdoor travels as you enjoy the Earth’s bounty, EcoFlow’s DELTA 2 power station starts at a 1,024Wh LiFePO4 capacity that will instead be bumped to 2,048Wh thanks to the extra battery, and which can go higher to 3,074Wh with one more added on. It provides you with 15 port options with a steady 1,800W power output that will surge to 2,200W to meet larger appliance needs, bolstered by the X-Boost tech that also improves recharging rates. Plugging the station into a wall outlet will have the battery back to 80% in about 80 minutes, with it also accepting a maximum of 500W of solar input that can refill it in as fast as three hours time, with ideal conditions. With it rated for 3,000 life cycles, you can use and recharge the battery every day for over eight years, so with weekend or non-daily usage it will last you far longer.

The second of these offers gives you the brand’s more comprehensive and expandable DELTA Pro Ultra power station with a trolley for $4,799 shipped, coming down from $6,297 and $200 under the trolley-less offer from Amazon. This is the brand’s most expansive unit that you can invest in over time down the road, giving you a 6.1kWh LiFePO4 capacity to start with up to 7,200W of power output. Those numbers, with the addition of additional equipment, can go as high as a 90kWh capacity and 21.6kWh output with three inverters (stations) that are each given five batteries, which is great for folks looking for whole-home backup setups (especially if you have roof panels to regularly keep it all juiced up, though this will also require the brand’s Smart Home Panel 2).

Be sure to check out the full lineup of EcoFlow’s phase 2 Mega Sale, which is taking up to 65% off an expanded list of units from the first phase, complete with bonus savings and starting from $119 through April 25.

Best New Year 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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